TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– Should he remain healthy, next season has all the makings of being a really good one for Alabama junior running back Bo Scarbrough. After rehabbing from a knee injury in 2015 and starting last season slow, the Tuscaloosa native kicked it into high gear down the stretch. He would end 2016 with 812 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 125 carries, including two 100-yard performances versus Tennessee (road) and the Washington Huskies.
Per a report from Sporting News on Monday, Scarbrough was listed as one of the top 25 ball carriers heading into the fall. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 232 pounds, he possesses the speed, vision and footwork to pair with his physicality. Following his 100-yard game against Tennessee, Scarbrough tied his career-high in carries versus Louisiana State University (11) for 52 yards in a 10-0 win for Alabama.
He would record 90-plus yards rushing in meetings against Auburn and Florida in the Southeastern Conference title game, while setting a Crimson Tide all-time bowl record with 180 rushing yards versus Washington in the College Football Playoff semifinal. Scarbrough’s output surpassed the mark of former Tide standout Sherman Williams, who totaled 166 yards rushing in the 1995 Citrus Bowl. He accounted for two touchdowns against the Huskies, including a 68-yard score which helped Alabama secure a 24-7 victory.
Prior to him sustaining a broken leg against Clemson in the CFP national championship game, Scarbrough had 93 yards rushing with two touchdowns on 16 carries. Despite having to share a backfield with Damien Harris, Josh Jacobs, B.J. Emmons, Najee Harris and Brian Robinson, Scarbrough has the breakaway speed in open space that’s very rare for back of his stature.
He may have come from an offense that did more passing a season ago; however, Brian Daboll is thoroughly aware of how the running game sets the tone for the Tide. Expect the first-year offensive coordinator to feed Scarbrough en route to creating opportunities downfield.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
