Bo Scarbrough signing makes all four Raiders running backs Alabama alumni
The Las Vegas Raiders clearly love former Alabama running backs. On Friday afternoon, the team announced the signing of Bo Scarbrough, yet another Crimson Tide ball-carrier, adding to a room led by Josh Jacobs and Kenyon Drake. BJ Emmons is the third Alabama alumni in the Las Vegas backfield, and now there is a fourth.
It’s unclear where the Raiders are looking to incorporate the 6-foot-1, 235-pound bruiser. Earlier this week, it was reported that Jalen Richard will be out for the next several weeks due to a foot injury. Most NFL teams like to keep at least four running backs throughout training camp, and while it may be a longshot, Scarbrough gets another chance, something the former Alabama star has become used to.
Scarbrough was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round (236th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound running back has made stops with the Cowboys (2018), Jacksonville Jaguars (2018), Seattle Seahawks (2018-19, 2020) and Detroit Lions (2019-20).
In 2019, Scarbrough spent the offseason with the Seahawks prior to signing with the Detroit Lions. He appeared in six contests with five starts for the Lions, recording 89 carries for 377 yards with one touchdown.
Alabama fans should instantly follow the Raiders on a weekly basis. It’s obvious Jon Gruden loves running backs who come from the Nick Saban coaching tree.
Bo Scarbrough makes all Raiders running backs Alabama alumni
Most Alabama fans will remember Scarbrough as a valuable piece of the 2015 and 2017 College Football national championship teams. One encouraging note on Scarbrough? During his three-year tenure with the Crimson Tide, he was never utilized as the featured, every-down back.
In 2016, the Crimson Tide relied heavily on Damien Harris, who got 146 carries and finished the year with 1,037 rushing yards. Still, this was Scarbrough’s most productive season at Alabama. Utilized mostly in short-yardage situations, the bruiser led all Tide running backs with 11 touchdowns. He had 125 carries, finishing the year with 812 yards on the ground.
Ironically, Jacobs–Scarbrough’s new teammate and the now clear featured back for the Raiders– was the third running back on the 2016 Alabama roster as a true freshman.