Josh Jacobs was selected 24th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, even though he was never the featured running back during his time at Alabama.
Over three seasons in Tuscaloosa, he shared carries and never topped 640 rushing yards in a year. In his final season, he ranked third in rushing behind Damien Harris and Najee Harris.
During a recent appearance on “The Pivot” podcast, Jacobs addressed why he never transferred despite limited playing time. He said his focus wasn’t on making it to the NFL.
“When I got to Bama, I was studying business management and pre-law,” Jacobs said. “I didn’t think the NFL was realistic.
I just wanted my degree. It wasn’t until coaches and former players told me, ‘Everyone sees you as a first-rounder,’ that I started to believe it. I was shocked—thinking, ‘Me? I’ve only had more than 15 carries in a game once and I’m the third-string back.’”
Even with minimal college production, Jacobs’ draft stock remained high. He entered the 2019 draft as a top prospect and has since developed into one of the NFL’s premier running backs.
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