Alabama Football: Top 10 Running Backs During Saban Era
By Ronald Moody
5. Damien Harris
Damien Harris decided to return to the Capstone instead of declaring for the NFL draft after a fantastic junior season. Harris rushed for 1,000 yards and eleven scores. He averaged an astounding 7.4 yards per carry. Harris’ yards per carry average ranks second for a single season in Alabama.
The nation’s top high school running back in 2014 per 247 Composite. The Richmond, Kentucky player finished with the second most touchdowns in state history (122). His freshman season was average as he rushed for only 157 yards and one touchdown. Once Heisman winner Derrick Henry departed for the NFL, Harris took the starting role as a sophomore. He rushed for 1,037 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged a team-high 7.1 ypc.
One of the top running backs in the nation, Harris has the opportunity to finish his Tide career with three straight 1,000 yard seasons.