Alabama Running Backs in the Saban Era are Producing in the NFL

Alabama has produced a number of productive NFL running backs over the years, but things have really picked up under Nick Saban.

It is noticeable just how productive recent backs have been after seeing this stat about Josh Jacobs.

Shaun Alexander is the leading NFL rusher among Alabama players with 9,453 yards, and he’ll remain the leader for some time. But Saban-era running backs are quickly piling up the yards.

1. Shaun Alexander: 9,453 yards
2. Mark Ingram: 7,109 yards
3. Derrick Henry: 4,033 yards
4. Wilbur Jackson: 3,852 yards
5. Eddie Lacy: 3,614 yards
6. Tony Nathan: 3,543 yards
7. Bobby Humphrey: 2,857 yards
8. Kenyan Drake: 2,321 yards
9. George Gulyanics: 2,081 yards
10. Trent Richardson: 2,032 yards
11. T.J. Yeldon: 1,935 yards
12. Billy Jackson: 1,365 yards
13. Josh Jacobs: 1,331 yards
14. Le’Ron McClain: 1,310 yards
15. Bart Starr: 1,308 yards

Among career rushing yards for former Alabama players, Saban’ running backs make up two of the top 3, three of the top 5, five of the top 10, and seven of the top 15. Not too bad.

Ingram has a long road to go to get that top spot being on the other side of 30 already. Henry will need some time; but with his durability, he could end up passing both Ingram and Alexander.

Drake appears set to crack the top 5 next year or the year after, and Jacobs should move into the top 10 this season if he stays healthy. Yeldon’s playing time has plummeted recently, but he only needs 68 yards to pass Richardson.

Also, Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris are early in their careers and waiting for opportunities. Najee Harris should be a high draft pick in 2021.

There have been some busts and guys who only lasted a couple years but, on the whole, this is pretty impressive, especially the recent players.