Former Alabama running back Josh Jacobs had an impressive rookie season with the Oakland Raiders.
Jacobs was a strong candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, and fans across the league were upset when he was not the recipient.
In his first two years as a member of the Crimson Tide, Jacobs seemingly flew under the radar. He served in supporting roles to Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris in his freshman and sophomore season.
However, when given the opportunity to shine, no one will outwork him.
Despite not being the starting running back in 2018, he stole the show while accumulating 640 yards on 120 carries for 11 touchdowns on the ground and paired that with an aerial attack of 20 receptions for 247 yards and three touchdowns.
Those stats earned Jacobs some high recognition from NFL scouts. He was the first running back selected in the 2019 NFL draft as the No. 24 overall pick by the Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders wasted no time putting the Alabama product to work. They gave him the ball 242 times for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
As a rookie, Jacobs was ranked No. 8 overall in the NFL for rushing yards, tied for No. 8 in touchdowns, No. 3 for yards per game and No. 10 for yards per attempt.
Four top-ten rankings for a rookie cannot be taken lightly. Jacobs is the real deal.
One of the natural talents few athletes posses is their ability to shine in moments of high pressure. Josh Jacobs is one of those athletes.
MVP of the 2018 SEC Championship, a highlight reel of an Orange Bowl performance and even being a rookie in the NFL, Jacobs refuses to crack under pressure.
How can he improve upon a rookie season that already has his name mentioned alongside elite talent in the league?
Well, Jacobs performs at his best under the spotlight, right? Playing in Las Vegas in a beautiful new stadium seems like the perfect opportunity to show the nation that he’s able to compete with some of the best in the league.
The franchise was also able to maintain their offensive line – especially their biggest to pieces, Richie Incognito and Rodney Hudson. They were also able to add Eric Kush on a one-year deal.
Pro Football Focus ranked the 2019 Raiders offensive line No. 15 in the league.
If Jacobs was able to get the numbers he did with an offensive line that was “average” in the eyes of PFF, imagine what he would be able to do with slight improvements.
There’s no telling exactly what his stats will be or what heights he’ll be able to take the Raiders offense to in 2020, but I know that he will be under a microscope after his 2019 season, and he is looking forward to it.
Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on Josh Jacobs’ experience through year No. 2 in the NFL!
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]