What is Josh Jacobs’ 40-time?

In a league that is shifting more towards the passing game seemingly by the day, a few names have been able to separate themselves and make a mark rushing the football as a running back. Among them, Josh Jacobs is probably one of the more surprising names, who took a gigantic leap forward this past season.

Jacobs was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was an attendee at McLain High School where he was phenomenal as an athlete, eventually choosing to join the University of Alabama. However, his journey was more centered around the personal obstacles he had to overcome. As a middle schooler, Jacobs was homeless and scratched and clawed his way to relevancy. During his time at Alabama, he would come to define a lethal running game for the university.

In his first year, he was one of three running backs for the squad, alongside Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris, totaling over 500 yards. His next season was a big step back. However, eventually, news broke of Jacobs playing the entire year on a broken ankle, a big credit to his draft stock and toughness, especially as a running back where those attributes are in high demand. Despite his limitations, Alabama was still able to rattle off a CFP National Championship victory. His final season at Alabama was his best yet that saw him total over 600 rushing yards for the season. Further, he would finish the year on a high note, winning SEC Championship Game MVP for an 83-yard, 2-touchdown performance.

At the season’s conclusion, Jacobs would make his intentions for the 2019 NFL Draft clear.

Josh Jacobs 40-time

Jacobs’ initially had a 4.64 40-yard dash time, which did raise some scepticism about his performance, especially at 5’11”, he is one of the more undersized running backs. But, a second showing during Alabama’s 2nd Pro Day saw him improve his numbers to 4.52 seconds, assuaging some of the fears. He already had a strong resume coming out of college. National champion, SEC Bowl Game MVP, and unparalleled toughness after spending a season with a broken ankle, his draft stock was already pretty high.

As a result, the Oakland Raiders chose him with the 24th overall draft pick in the first round, relatively higher than most projections. But, the Raiders’ faith in him was immediately returned multifold. In his first season, the dynamic RB would cross the 1,000-yard threshold as a rusher, while adding a little over 150 yards as a receiver as well. His production would land him a spot on the All-Rookie Team and earn him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

His second year was just as spectacular from a production standpoint. Once again eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark as a rusher, he would improve over the 200-yard barrier as a receiver as well. His performance would earn him a spot in the Pro Bowl. The next season, his counting stats as a rusher saw a major dip with the Raiders focusing on a pass-first offensive style. But, the reduction in rushing yards saw a direct increase in yards receiving. But, the best was yet to come.

The 2022 season saw Jacobs truly leap into superstardom. During the season, he would showcase his full potential, both as a receiver and rusher, making him one of the most dynamic offensive threats in the league. He would finish with a career-high and league-leading 1,653 yards rushing. At the same time, his improvement as a receiver saw him graze the 400-yard mark for the first time in his career. The remarkable numbers earned him a spot on the First-team All-Pro, a second Pro Bowl selection, as well as the Jim Brown Award.