TUSCALOOSA, Ala.| Head coach Nick Saban and his staff continues to recruit star power at the running back position. Alabama’s meeting against Kent State provided a fine example, with true freshman Joshua Jacobs emerging as one of multiple standouts in a 48-0 dominant victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Jacobs, a native of Tulsa, Okla., achieved a breakout performance.
The 5-foot-10, 204-pound back had a game-high 97 yards rushing on 11 carries. He posted two touchdowns, including one where he weaved through the Golden Flashes for a 24-yard scamper in the second quarter.
TD! #2 Alabama Freshman RB @iAM_JoshJacobs #BamavsKentSt pic.twitter.com/EyVmlNOtzp
— BamaVideo (@BamaVideo_) September 24, 2016
Saban was very pleased with how well Jacobs handled the moment.
“He (Joshua Jacobs) did a really nice job today,” Saban said.
Alabama got a steal in Jacobs for its 2016 recruiting class, as he didn’t hit the mainstream until late in the process. He garnered a four-star rating and was ranked as the fourth-best player in Oklahoma, via ESPN.
Jacobs totaled 5,372 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns in his tenure at McLain High School. Per Saban, the rotation of Jacobs, Scarbrough (thigh) and B.J. Emmons will be critical. Harris sustained an ankle sprain and is listed as day-to-day. If he cannot go against Kentucky, fans could see more of Jacobs on homecoming week.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
