He may have been a first round value taken in the seventh round, but Bo Scarbrough wants to show the Dallas Cowboys that it made the right choice in selecting him. In his efforts to provide the franchise with a strong duo behind Ezekiel Elliot, the Tuscaloosa County (Ala.) native returned to a place this week that has given him confidence and a competitive work ethic.
Johnny Jackson, founder of Jackson Sports Performance Institute and former strength and conditioning intern at the University of Alabama, has known Scarbrough since his days at Northridge High School. He mentored and helped developed the 228-pound freight train into being a five-star recruit in the 2014 cycle, despite him not enrolling for the Tide until 2015.
With Jackson’s guidance, Scarbrough burst onto scene late in 2016 and performed well in matchups against LSU, Auburn, Florida, Washington and Clemson. He set an Alabama bowl record versus the Huskies with 180 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 19 carries in the College Football Playoff semifinal (Peach Bowl) game.
After finishing his sophomore season with 11 touchdowns and tacking on eight more in 2017, Jackson told yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine that Scarbrough is prepared to take on training camp and start his routine.
“He’s just focused right now,” Jackson said of Scarbrough. “We looked at his footwork and squats; however, the biggest thing for him is generating more power. He wants to be that downhill, one step and go type of back. I’m proud of him and ready to see him in Dallas.”
His career under Nick Saban did not produce a Heisman Trophy, but that does not mean Scarbrough does not have the tools to take over the National Football League.
He actually turned in one of the best workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine among running backs, posting a 4.52 – 40 time, 40” vertical and 129” broad jump.
As far as the offensive line goes, the Cowboys have arguably the best roster in the league – which adds on to the possible success Scarbrough can have as a rookie.
Should he remain healthy, he could become one of the biggest stars from this year’s draft class. Next season sets up to be very interesting for him.
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 @CoachingMSmith.
