Former Alabama running back Josh Jacobs was relatively quiet during his time with the Crimson Tide. As he heads into his second season in the NFL, Jacobs has big goals for himself and plenty of lessons learned from his rookie season with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Having shared the Alabama backfield with Bo Scarbrough, Damien Harris and Najee Harris, among others, it was difficult for Jacobs to shine. In his junior season, he became nationally known, not only by fans, but by NFL scouts, as well.
The Oklahoma native was the first running back selected in the 2019 NFL draft. The then-Oakland Raiders drafted Jacobs with the No. 24 overall selection.
He made an immediate impact on the team in his rookie season and is now considered one of the top young running backs in the league.
While he recorded 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns off of 242 carries, an impressive stat line for a first-year player, Jacobs knows he has a lot to learn. Those experiences should help propel him into a stronger second season.
“I would grade it (rookie season) a ‘B,’” Jacobs said via the Associated Press. “There’s a lot of yards that I felt like I left on the table. It’s a lot of plays, and I feel like I could’ve contributed more. … So that’s probably the biggest thing.
I don’t think I accomplished what I set out to do,” he said. “I think I put a little dent in what I wanted to prove, but I think I have a long way to go.”
His strong rookie season was recognized by his coaches. Head coach Jon Gruden had high praise for the young running back.
“He had a big year last year,” Gruden said. “He’s got to stay healthy. We need our feature back down the stretch. We were in a playoff stretch last year and didn’t have him. I think he’s got to stay wire-to-wire healthy and we have to get more out of him in the passing game, more on the field on third down. He had a great year last year and we expect more of him from this year.”
Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on Josh Jacobs as he makes his way through season No. 2 in the NFL with the Las Vegas Raiders.