Alabama Football: Top 10 Running Backs During Saban Era
By Ronald Moody
10. Najee Harris
Freshman running back Najee Harris entered the national championship game against Georgia in the third quarter. The six foot two, 227 pound Harris led all rushers with 65 yards on just six carries. He delivered a key 35-yard scamper to put the Tide in scoring position. Harris also had a run of 16 yards and 11 yards leading to key first downs. Partnered with true freshman quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, he led the Tide to a comeback victory over the Bulldogs.
This big back came to Alabama hailed as the number one running back in the country. He finished his California high school career with 7,948 yards which are the fourth most in California high school history. During Najee’s senior year at Antioch, he rushed for 2,776 yards and 36 touchdowns.
Harris’ freshman season started with him playing behind Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, and Josh Jacobs. Playing sparingly, he finished the season with 370 yards and three touchdowns.
Alabama football fans only received a brief glimpse of the skills and dynamic athletic ability that Najee offers offensive coordinator Mike Locksley. When Harris departs Alabama, he will leave one of the best running backs in Alabama history.