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Alabama Football: 7 True Freshmen and 2 JUCO’s Likely To Play in 2017

By Ronald Evans

Oct 1, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide cheerleaders fly the flags after their team scored against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide defeated Kentucky 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide cheerleaders fly the flags after their team scored against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide defeated Kentucky 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Clemson Tigers in the first quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Clemson Tigers in the first quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Najee Harris: RB – True Freshman, Early Enrollee

Alabama Football has no shortage of running backs.  The four who got the most snaps in 2016 all return.  Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, and Josh Jacobs were impressive, each of them averaged over 6 yards per carry. In a limited role due to an early injury, B. J. Emmons also did well.

In the 2017 recruiting cycle, running back was not a big need for the Tide. Alabama chose to add to the stable. And what a stable mate he is. Najee Harris, 6′ 3″, 225 lbs. was a consensus 5-Star, rated by Rivals and Scout as the overall No. 1 player in the nation.

At Alabama, not even the nation’s #1 rated running back recruit, is given anything but opportunity. Opportunity to be challenged, to compete, to learn how to work as a champion. Many 5-star recruits look for more. Playing time matters and some expect a guarantee they can start. The Alabama recruiting machine filters out those “me first” guys. Many other schools are glad to accept them.

Najee Harris could have chosen any school.  Many head coaches would have gladly guaranteed him a starting role. But Harris chose to join a deep Alabama backfield, knowing full well his 5 stars would gain him nothing in Tuscaloosa.

That Harris chose the most demanding path available tells us much about the young man. Coaches across the nation marveled at his combination of size and the speed. Over the next few months, we will learn if he has the dedication, work ethic, and toughness.

Check out these Harris highlights:

How much Najee Harris plays in 2017 is a mystery. He could watch the entire season from the sideline and in future seasons become a Crimson Tide great. If he beats out guys with experience and earns significant play in 2017, he will be a special player.

UPDATE: Tide running back, B. J. Emmons tweeted on Feb. 10 that he will have a second surgery on his foot. He is expected to return for fall camp but may miss spring training.

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