B.J. Emmons, top RB recruit in 2016, leaves Alabama
It’s easy to get buried on the depth chart at Alabama, even if you’re a top 50 recruit.
B.J. Emmons, Rivals.com’s top-rated running back in the class of 2016, showed flashes in limited action as a true freshman for the Tide, but was behind studs like Bo Scarbrough, Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs in the running back pecking order.
Now, as first reported by Al.com, Emmons is leaving the program and has landed at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. Because he is dropping down to a junior college, Emmons can play immediately before having the chance to transfer back to the FBS level.
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Emmons, the No. 33 overall prospect in 2016, gained 173 yards and scored one touchdown on 35 attempts during his lone season with the Tide. He also caught two passes for 20 yards. Emmons, who appeared in seven games, had his season cut short by a foot injury. The injury limited his practice time during the spring, but he was expected to be a full participant when preseason camp began.
[More college football from Yahoo Sports: 20 non-conference games to look forward to in 2017]
Even with Emmons moving on, Harris (1,040 yards, 2 TDs), postseason hero Scarbrough (812 yards, 13 TDs) and Jacobs (564 yards, 4 TDs) will all return. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, second on the team last year with 954 yards and a team-leading 13 touchdowns, returns for his sophomore season as well. Oh, and the Tide also signed two more running backs, Najee Harris and Brian Robinson, in the 2017 class.
Harris’ ranking is alright.
[More college football from Yahoo Sports: Dr. Saturday’s still-too-early Top 25]
In addition to the departure of Emmons, Al.com is reporting that cornerback Aaron Robinson will also transfer. Robinson played in 13 games as a freshman and finished the year with five tackles. He worked with the second-team defense during spring ball.
Alabama opens its season Sept. 2 against Florida State in Atlanta.
For more Alabama news, visit BamaInsider.com.
