From homeless in high school to all the hype in college and the NFL, the Alabama Football Josh Jacobs’ story just keeps getting better.
Former Alabama football player, Josh Jacobs’ was homeless 10 years ago. He spent his childhood sleeping on nearly everything but a bed. His dad stood watch while he and his brothers slept in the back of his Chevy in parking lots.
His rough childhood earned a Tom Rinaldi highlight on ESPN’s College Gameday. Before his days with the Alabama Football team, times were tough for Jacobs.
Fast forward ten years and Josh Jacobs became the first player since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2001 with 100 yards from scrimmage and two rushing touchdowns in his NFL Debut, per ESPN records. Jacobs finished the night with 113 yards and two touchdowns. Despite all the Antonio Brown drama, Josh Jacobs was the star in the Oakland Raiders first game of the season.
Despite such humble beginnings, Josh Jacobs skyrocketed to stardom. Coming out of high school, Jacobs was only a three-star recruit. He arrived at Alabama one of the lowest rated prospects compared to the slew of four and five star prospects Saban brings in. Jacobs had no stars until his offer to play for the Alabama Football team.
His stats in college are rather modest playing as the backup running back to relieve Damien Harris’ workload in his final season. In 3 seasons, he took 251 carries for 1491 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns – 11 of which came in 2018. He certainly broke from the background in 2018 when he was given more opportunities. He also racked up 571 receiving yards and five touchdowns receptions throughout his college career. Jacobs frequently became Tua Tagovailoa’s wheel route escape to evade pressure in the 2018 season.
Jacobs always seemed to play with a chip on his shoulder. Every down, he always acted like he had something to prove, which- as a former 3-star recruit- he did. He ran angry and powerful. He wasn’t exactly elusive; he would just run through opponents instead. He would lower the shoulder and truck guys.
In April of 2019, backup running back 3-star recruit Josh Jacobs became the first running back drafted in the NFL draft. All the time he spent in high school and college he dedicated to football had paid off. He would be able to provide his young son at home a better life than he had growing up.
Josh Jacobs was one of those players you just root for regardless of what team you support. He was an underdog from day one and continues to prove people wrong. He left a great legacy with the Alabama Football team, and he is building a new one with the Oakland Raiders. Fight on, Josh Jacobs, every Bama man is behind you.