It ‘Runs’ In the Family

In the world of college football, when the name Jacobs is mentioned in conversation, one individual immediately comes to mind, the University of Alabama running back Josh Jacobs. That will continue to increase each day leading to the NFL Draft and deservedly so. Josh’s production on a national stage has many projecting him as the top at his position heading into the draft. However, there is another Jacobs that deserves our attention. That is none other than Josh’s younger brother, Isaiah, a rising senior from Owasso High School. Listed at 5-10 195lbs, Isaiah Jacobs is rated by 247 Sports as a 3-star athlete and No. 61 at his position in the 2020 recruiting class. As a sophomore for Owasso HS in 2017, he saw limited action earning just 149 yards and 2 touchdowns on 23 carries, but helped his team reach the Oklahoma Class 6A-I State Championship. In 2018 as a junior, Jacobs exploded unto the recruiting scene. He carried the ball 151 times and amassed 1024 yards rushing with 9 touchdowns with an average of 6.8 yards per carry. Isaiah added 296 yards receiving with a touchdown while leading his team to the Oklahoma Class 6A-II State Semifinals.

While Josh Jacobs wasn’t recruited heavily out of high school and was a gem that Nick Saban discovered, it is quite the opposite for Isaiah. His recruiting resume seems to be filled with several top-rated programs. Currently, Isaiah has garnered offers from Arkansas, Iowa State, Kansas State, Maryland, Memphis, Ole Miss, SMU, South Dakota State, Tulsa, Eastern Michigan, and Texas State. Based on some sources, it appears that Ole Miss has made the most favorable impression thus far. “It was a great first impression; especially talking to Coach (Matt) Luke, as well as the rest of his staff. I can see what Coach Luke’s quality is, he’s a very genuine person. He just let me know it would be making a 40-year deal not a four-year deal if I came to Ole Miss, because after football, whenever you stop playing, you’ve got to have that family to support you. Overall, it was a great visit,” said Jacobs. As a fan of Southeastern Conference Football and having a father who is an Ole Miss alum, I can say that this account of Matt Luke is true. He’s a quality guy with exceptional character. It’s easy to see how Luke has drawn Isaiah Jacobs in. While Luke has captured his attention, the most meaningful interaction was with Coach Derrick Nix. “What stood out the most to me was when (running backs) Coach (Derrick) Nix pulled up my film. He put up my film and then put up the film of the Ole Miss offense. He showed me exactly how my guard would pull and how their guard would pull and exactly how they feel like I can fit their system and their system fits me, as well. I enjoyed Coach Nix. He’s a very funny dude. He’s a very chill, laid-back dude to be around,” Jacobs said. To add some further convincing, they took him on a tour of famous college town. He was able to see what makes the Oxford area great; especially when it came to local dining. “We actually went down town and walked around a little bit. I ate at Mo’s restaurant. It was good…no it was actually amazing. We got the baked beans, the ribs, the wings. Man, it was all good,” Isaiah stated.

At first glance, it easy to notice that his brother’s alma mater, the University of Alabama, is not on the list of schools providing offers. That doesn’t mean that Coach Saban and his squad are not in the mix. Nick and his staff have been quite active in recruiting Isaiah. It’s quite the contrary. The legendary coach is quite impressed, but has asked that Jacobs tweek a few things before an official offer is granted. He would like to see improvement on his 40-yard dash time and agility testing. Isaiah states, “He said that’s the only thing stopping them. He said for me to come to their camp or that they’ll also be down here this spring to see me. He said all I gotta do is show them and they’re going to offer me.” As mentioned before, Jacobs certainly is no stranger to Title Town. After all, his older brother Josh is a Tuscaloosa legend. So, he is more than accustomed to the perks of playing for the national powerhouse. The selling points speak for themselves. That also goes for the local BBQ. Any Tuscaloosa resident, fan, etc. including myself can attest to the greatness of Dreamland BBQ. However, the possibility of donning a crimson and white jersey is still very motivating to Isaiah. “It was pretty exciting … pretty amazing. I’ve been up there a couple times for games, because of my brother I’ve been up there on his official visit, but that was a long time ago. So, me being able to do it in my shoes is pretty exciting. “Nick Saban was telling me they are recruiting me hard and that they’re trying to find every possible way to recruit me” Jacobs told BamaOnLine. When he is able to make the adjustments that Coach Saban is asking, it will not necessarily “seal the deal” with Alabama. However, it will be high on the list of schools vying for his services.

While Isaiah’s running style and unselfish play greatly mirrors that of Josh, they must be viewed as separate entities. As Isaiah stated above, it’s his time to do it in his shoes. That doesn’t mean that he isn’t seeking the advice of his legendary brother. “We try to avoid football, but when we do talk football, he just gives me the best advice. He wants me to do what’s best for me. He’ll give me his opinion, but at the end of the day he’s going to let me decide. He was just saying how Bama is a 365-day grind. He was telling me like if you want that then this is the perfect place for you, but to always weigh your options,” Jacobs said on talking football with his brother. There is no doubt that his stock will continue to rise in the next several months. More schools will enter the fray with offers; which will include Alabama. From a selfish Alabama graduate standpoint, my hope is that he will be the next superstar running back named Jacobs to join the Crimson Tide. However, I along with fans of college football want what is best for him. Whatever path he will chose, remember a new Jacobs regime will be starting. He will be great. Time to enjoy the ride. This will be the era of Isaiah.