TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama football team had an extra player on the field when it returned to practice on Tuesday afternoon, running back Bo Scarbrough.
The former 5-star recruit was part of the signing Class of 2014, but needed an extra semester to qualify academically. He’s set to enroll in January, but will not play for Alabama when it faces Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.
“Once a guy finishes all the things that he has to do by NCAA rules and is admitted to school, he’s eligible to practice,” Coach Nick Saban said later Tuesday. “He can’t play. So while we’re practicing here, he can participate in practices.”
Scarbrough wore No. 1, which is also the number of wide receiver Chris Black.
The big running back (6 foot 2, 225 pounds) last played for IMG Academy in Florida during the 2013 season and rushed for 1,236 yards and 16 touchdowns in eight games before sustaining a knee injury. He transferred back to Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa County for the spring semester.
According to 247Sports he was the No. 16 prospect in the nation last year.
The Crimson Tide worked in shells inside the Hank Crisp Facility and even though it hadn’t been on the field since Dec. 6 a few players were still dealing with some lingering injuries.
Freshman left tackle Cam Robinson (ankle, shoulder) was notably absent, with senior Leon Brown working in his spot and Bradley Bozeman at right guard. Running back and T.J. Yeldon (ankle) and linebacker Denzel Devall (ankle) were both limited.
Update: Coach Nick Saban said during his press conference later Tuesday that three players got stuck in traffic in Mississippi on their way back to campus, including Robinson, but that they made it before the end of practice. Sophomore offensive lineman Grant Hill didn’t practice due to being ill.
Christopher Walsh has covered Alabama football since 2004 and is the author of 19 books. In his free time, he writes about college football.
