The first practice for Alabama in preparing for its College Football Playoff matchup with Oklahoma starts Friday, and for one player in particular, this is a moment where he will be stamped as an all-around legendary individual.
Even in being a young father and facing the challenges he had as a child, running back Josh Jacobs could not have imagined a better scenario than what he’s witnessed in Tuscaloosa.
During his time, he has gone from a three-star prospect to the most complete back on the Crimson Tide’s roster and a fan favorite. His blend of toughness, leadership, determination and the many things he does on a field gives Alabama an element that very few others possess.
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Hailing from Tulsa, Okla., the Tide’s version of a swiss-army knife averages a jaw-dropping 16.0 yards a play upon him getting the ball through 13 games.
Jacobs leads the team in rushing touchdowns (11) and totals 1,064 all-purpose yards – 495 rushing, 171 receiving and 398 kick return – with 14 scores on 122 touches. His tendency to finish runs with power and anger led to his most valuable player effort in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game against Georgia, where he recorded 83 yards rushing with a pair of touchdowns on eight carries in Alabama’s 35-28 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Regardless of reason, neither Oklahoma, Tulsa, Missouri nor Arkansas wanted Jacobs in the 2016 recruiting cycle.
For someone who is both outspoken and takes pride in what he does, expect for the 5-foot-10 jack of all trades to have a monster showing in Miami, Fla. While his skill set fits the mold of the modern-day back in the National Football League, Jacobs is not too much concerned about turning professional at the moment.
As he intends to help the Tide pursue another national championship, knocking out the Sooners is his first goal.
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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.
