If one were to have held a conversation with Bo Scarbrough, he would have mapped out a multitude of ways for how his production could have been better last season.
On the heels of a strong sophomore year – despite sustaining a leg injury versus Clemson in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game – dealing with a new offensive coordinator and lingering effects from the mishap limited him through 14 regular season games.
Regardless of his discomfort, he turned in 596 rushing yards with eight touchdowns on 124 carries while averaging nearly five yards per attempt. After putting together one of the best combine workouts among running backs, multiple NFL Draft media pundits projected Scarbrough to be selected between the third and sixth round of last week’s venue in Dallas.
The Tuscaloosa County, Ala., native heard his name announced in the seventh round to the Cowboys – linking up with quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliot.
Although it was a weird move at first glance, Dallas released wide receiver Dez Bryant and lost tight end Jason Witten to retirement. Having Scarbrough along with Elliot confirms that the franchise will rely more on its offensive line and rushing attack next fall in the NFC East.
Based on the market he’s in and the talent he is, one former Tide staffer told yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine that Scarbrough could be a potential ‘rookie of the year’ candidate.
“They needed a one, two punch,” said Johnny Jackson, former Alabama strength and conditioning intern on Scarbrough to Dallas. “Zeke is great, but I always saw Bo in Dallas especially with the way he can catch the ball out the backfield. He just lights up a room.”
It is a foregone conclusion that if Scarbrough never broke his leg against Clemson, his stock would have been much higher. However, even in getting him for the cheap, camera time for the two-time national champion was never shortened throughout the process.
“Not too many seventh rounders get that type of press coverage,” Jackson said.
“You just don’t see that often and Bo is a first-round value. He’s about to light a fire that we have never seen. I remember talking with him after he got drafted and I told him ‘to see the good’ in what has happened. He is going to play with a serious chip on his shoulder now.”
Scarbrough’s combine performance reminded people of 2015 Heisman winner, Derrick Henry, but he finished in the top-five in the 40-yard dash (4.52 seconds), vertical jump (40″) and broad jump (129 inches).
“If he gets his touches, stays healthy and is used correctly, Bo will be in the conversation for Rookie of the Year next season,” Jackson said. “This market is really good for him.”
With the Cowboys starting rookie minicamp soon, it will be interesting to see how quickly can Scarbrough make an impact on offense.
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.
