The first period of National Signing Day will take place on December 20, 2017, and the second period will take place on February 7, 2018. Alabama coaches continue to pursue key targets to fulfill the Class of 2018 and all this week on BamaInsider.com, our staff will provide insight to where Alabama stands with the current roster and highlight key targets to know at each position on the recruiting board.
Today's Breakdown: Running back
Projecting ahead to when the 2018 class would arrive, here are the known scholarship players with returning eligibility for the 2018 season (that season’s class indicated):
Depth at running back
Damien Harris - Sr.
Bo Scarbrough - Sr.
Joshua Jacobs - Jr.
Najee Harris - So.
Brian Robinson - So.
2018 running back commitments
None
Running back position overview by BamaInsider Team Writer Tony Tsoukalas
It could be argued that Alabama has too many options in the backfield this season — if such a thing were to exist. The Crimson Tide currently has three former five-stars in Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough and Najee Harris, a change-of-pace back in Josh Jacobs and another and another powerful option in Brian Robinson. That’s not even counting redshirt junior Ronnie Clark, who primarily comes in during mop-up duty.
Both Damien Harris and Scarbrough are juniors, while Jacobs is a sophomore and Najee Harris and Robinson are true freshmen. Theoretically, Alabama could return next year with the same stable of backs. Although, that seems unlikely as Damien Harris appears destined for a second straight 1,000-yard season and a possible Day 2 selection in the NFL Draft. Despite a somewhat disappointing year, don’t be surprised if Scarbrough also tests his luck in the draft, especially given his injury history.
Even with Damien Harris and Scarbrough gone, Alabama would return with plenty of depth next season. Jacobs would most likely step into the role as the primary starter while Najee Harris and Robinson would help to provide more powerful options.
Regardless of what happens, the Crimson Tide’s only problem moving forward will be finding enough carries for each back. That’s something many feel Alabama has struggled to do this season. However, in the grand scheme of things, depth is never a bad problem to have.
