Josh Jacobs NFL Draft Scout
Birth Place and Early Years:
On February 11, 1998, Josh Jacobs was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His journey in football started at McLain High School, where he displayed exceptional talent. Jacobs was highly sought after by various universities, ultimately choosing Alabama to further his football career.
College Career:
Joining the University of Alabama, Jacobs swiftly established himself as a formidable running back. In his sophomore year, he rushed for 640 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team. Jacobs' junior season was even more impressive, as he accumulated 1,063 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns. His exceptional performances earned him recognition as a First-team All-SEC selection.
2018 Season:
The 2018 season marked a breakout year for Josh Jacobs. He became the Crimson Tide's primary ball carrier, showcasing his versatility and explosiveness. Jacobs rushed for a remarkable 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the SEC in rushing yards and finishing fifth nationally. His outstanding efforts were rewarded with the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award, as well as a unanimous All-American selection.
NFL Draft and Professional Career:
In the 2019 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders selected Josh Jacobs with the 24th overall pick. He immediately made an impact, starting 13 games and rushing for 1,150 yards and 7 touchdowns as a rookie. Jacobs' impressive performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection, becoming the first Raiders running back to receive the honor since Marcus Allen in 1985.
2020 Season:
Despite the Raiders' overall struggles in 2020, Jacobs continued to shine. He led the team in rushing for the second consecutive season, amassing 1,065 yards and 12 touchdowns. Jacobs' consistency and ability to produce in a challenging environment further solidified his status as one of the NFL's top running backs.
2022 Season:
The 2022 season saw Josh Jacobs establish himself as one of the league's elite running backs. He led the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 2,053, becoming the first Raiders player to surpass 2,000 scrimmage yards in a season since Marcus Allen in 1985. Jacobs' remarkable campaign was recognized with a second Pro Bowl selection and his first All-Pro selection.
Playing Style and Strengths:
Physical Attributes:
Josh Jacobs possesses an ideal combination of size, speed, and agility for a running back. Standing at 6'0" and weighing 220 pounds, he has a powerful frame that allows him to break tackles and gain extra yards. Jacobs' 4.57 40-yard dash speed gives him the ability to create explosive plays and outrun defenders.
Versatility:
One of Jacobs' most notable attributes is his versatility. He is equally adept at running between the tackles and breaking off big plays on the outside. Jacobs' exceptional vision and quickness enable him to find open running lanes and make defenders miss in the open field.
Durability:
Durability is a hallmark of Josh Jacobs' playing style. Despite the physical demands of his position, he has consistently played at a high level throughout his career. Jacobs' ability to withstand heavy workloads and avoid major injuries is a valuable asset to any team.
Conclusion:
Josh Jacobs has emerged as one of the most dynamic and productive running backs in the NFL. His combination of physical prowess, versatility, and durability makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. As he continues to develop and hone his skills, Jacobs has the potential to become one of the greatest running backs of his generation.