FAYETTEVILLE — Josh and Isaiah Jacobs did not have the easiest of childhoods growing up in Oklahoma, but the future certainly is looking up for both tailbacks.
Josh Jacobs (5-10, 216) just finished up his junior season at Alabama and is currently preparing for the NFL draft, where he is expected to be a high-round draft pick and one of the top two or three running backs selected.
Isaiah Jacobs (5-10, 195), Josh’s younger brother, is coming off an outstanding junior season for Owasso in which he rushed 157 times for 1,024 yards and nine touchdowns while also catching 27 passes for 296 yards and one touchdown.
"Yeah, it's very humbling,” Isaiah said of his older brother’s success. “We had some pretty dark days, but days are starting to get better. It kind of opened the door for me when it comes to training and things like that, and I'm just very happy for him.”
Isaiah was back in Arkansas on Saturday for a Razorbacks prospect day that drew an estimated 80 prospects to check out coach Chad Morris’ program.
"The impression was that coach Chad and the whole staff was still genuine,” Jacobs said. “Nothing has changed, so I know where his heart truly is. I know the first time I came here I said the same thing, but I came back for a second visit and I can see it for myself.”
Jacobs expanded on that feeling.
"Probably that vibe, that energy,” Jacobs said. “At the end of the day when the pads do come off, on and off the field, you're still going to need that support system. I feel like they have all of that."
Jacobs was offered by Arkansas on Jan. 26 and also has offers from Ole Miss, Maryland, Eastern Michigan, SMU, Memphis, South Dakota State and Tulsa.
He’s also getting interest from Missouri and others, but Arkansas has set itself apart so far.
"I've got a long way. There's going to be so many (schools) coming in this spring,” Jacobs said. “But no matter how many colleges are going to be there, they're still going to be on top of my list."
Jacobs is aware of where Arkansas’ running back chart stands with Devwah Whaley being a senior and Rakeem Boyd a junior who might leave for the NFL after next season.
"I think it'd fit really great, especially with the fact that the starting running back is a senior and the junior running back also might go to the League,” Jacobs said. “So, me coming in as a freshman, that would be real big if I was to commit here."
Jacobs has plans to visit Ole Miss soon.
”I have to go to Ole Miss either on (March) 30th or (April) 6th," he said. "I'm also looking at maybe going to Kansas State and any other schools that come through this week."