Josh Jacobs was selected as the No. 24 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft despite never being the lead back for Alabama football.
Jacobs had to share the backfield throughout his three years in Tuscaloosa. He was never considered the No. 1 option out of the backfield and as a result, he never rushed for more than 640 yards in one season. He finished his last year in Tuscaloosa as the Crimson Tide’s third-leading rusher behind Damien Harris and Najee Harris.
The former Alabama running back was asked why he did not transfer after being a backup for several seasons during a recent interview on “The Pivot” podcast, and he shared his mind was not focused on the NFL.
“When I went to Bama, I went to school for business management, pre-law,” Jacobs said. “I never thought that the NFL was a reality for me. I went to school, and I’m like, ‘I’m about to get a degree.’ I had to get convinced by my coaches and former players, (they were) ‘like, bro, everybody I’m talking to got you a first-round grade.’ And I’m like, ‘first round grade? I’m the third back.’ I think I’ve only got more than 15 carries in one game my whole college career.”
The lack of opportunities to running the football did not damage Jacobs’ draft stock. He was thought of as a top running back prospect ahead of the 2019 draft despite not being the top back on Alabama’s roster.Jacobs has carved out an impressive NFL career so far and is thought of as one of the best running backs in the league.
