Upon arriving to the University of Alabama from the National Football League, Brian Daboll had running back Josh Jacobs in mind to be a primary feature on offense last season.
The sophomore from Tulsa, Okla., totaled 567 yards rushing and 156 yards receiving with four touchdowns on 99 touches in his freshman year. His change-of-pace style worked smoothly alongside Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough, helping the Crimson Tide win a Southeastern Conference championship and advance to the College Football Playoff for a third straight time.
A hamstring injury during the latter portion of fall camp limited the former three-star from action early on; however, Jacobs seemed to return to form in the Tide’s meeting with Ole Miss after recording 87 all-purpose yards (51 rushing, 36 receiving) with a score in a 66-3 blowout win.
Although he performed well in that game, Jacobs didn’t obtain the season he envisioned to have – especially after a monster 2016 year where he was not expected to do much. Per his Twitter account, he discussed on Thursday that an ankle issue had been hampering him since week five of the Tide’s season; the week in which it battled the Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Lowkey nervous about having surgery tomorrow I've been playing on a broke ankle since week 5. It’s definitely been hard playing knowing that any play could be your last. I'm grateful and blessed to had finish the season much more coming soon #Blessed #Bama #RollTide #TheReturn
— Josh Jacobs (@iAM_JoshJacobs) January 12, 2018
Jacobs had surgery on Friday and is recovering now.
He touched the ball 60 times in 12 games, totaling 452 yards with three touchdowns. Even with Damien Harris, Najee Harris and Brian Robinson all back, Jacobs is still the spark plug offensively according to sources.
Nick Saban wanted to get him more involved all season; nevertheless, the plan for Jacobs must endure a small offseason before spring returns.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
