He's the SEC Freshman of the Week and the most fascinating player on the Alabama roster because of his sudden rise to prominence. Life is good right now for Joshua Jacobs, the Crimson Tide running back who has gone from an overlooked recruit to a budding star.

Last Saturday in Alabama's 34-6 victory over Kentucky, Jacobs accumulated 144 all-purpose yards and gained first downs on eight of his 19 touches. He did all of this while showing off an unusual combination of speed, power, agility and endurance.

Just how good was Jacobs' performance?

Pro Football Focus said it was one of the best of the weekend in all of college football. Jacobs forced ten missed tackles and gained 68 yards after contact. According to the website, he led the nation with an elusive rating of 223.7, which was off the charts.

Perhaps no play better captured his evasiveness than a 23-yard catch on a swing pass in the third quarter. Jacobs made two cuts to shake a pair of defenders before tossing one to the side with a stiff-arm as he sprinted down the sideline.

"I think he did a fantastic job in the game," Alabama coach Nick Saban said.

Jacobs' tour de force effort came one week before the Crimson Tide's matchup with Arkansas, which is located roughly 115 miles away from Jacobs' high school, Tulsa McClain.

Like most programs, Arkansas ignored Jacobs for much of his senior year. The Tulsa World noted as much just before National Signing Day last February, when it raised the question of why this 5-foot-10 offensive dynamo reminiscent of Darren Sproles had not received much exposure.

Asked Monday if the Razorbacks recruited Jacobs, Arkansas coach Bret Bielema offered a hazy response.

"Yeah, I know we did. I can't remember if it was early in the process that he went the other way or what," he said. "I can barely remember who's on this year's recruiting class to be quite honest. It's fun in this league, you see a lot of players like, 'Oh, I remember that kid,' or 'I remember that player.' It's fun to see them develop, or in some cases, not develop, whatever it is, to see their growth."

Jacobs' maturation has been rapid. He's fit into the Tide's offense rather seamlessly and helped cover up some of its deficiencies. Against the Wildcats, he averaged 7.3 yards on 13 carries between the tackles even though the right side of the Tide's offensive line struggled with run blocking.

"He doesn't stop," center Bradley Bozeman said. "He keeps going like you're supposed to do. He's a great runner."

That became apparent in preseason practices. Alabama safety Eddie Jackson marveled at Jacobs' cutting ability, and he was not alone. He became the talk of his teammates during scrimmages.

"He's going to be special," Jackson recalled saying.

Now, Jacobs is fulfilling that promise.

"He's a workhorse," Jackson said. "I'm just happy for him."

After all, it's hard not get behind the Little Engine That Could.