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2020 NFL Draft: RB Najee Harris takes risk, returns to Alabama

By Joseph Yun

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide heads for the end zone on a nine-yard touchdown run against the Michigan Wolverines in the second quarter of the Vrbo Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium on January 1, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide heads for the end zone on a nine-yard touchdown run against the Michigan Wolverines in the second quarter of the Vrbo Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium on January 1, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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After a productive junior season at Alabama, running back Najee Harris has opted to stay in school rather than declare for the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Alabama junior is returning for a senior season after a breakout junior campaign in Tuscaloosa, according to Charlie Potter of 247 Sports. Can he keep up the progress that he’s made in 2019? Najee Harris is heading back to school rather than declare for the 2020 NFL Draft, a risk given the position he plays.

Najee Harris has elected to return for a senior season after finally delivering on the promise he once held as a five star recruit as a junior. He rushed for 1,224 yards and 13 touchdowns on 209 carries in 2019. He also caught 27 receptions for 304 yards and seven touchdowns out of the backfield.

Harris is one of the bigger running backs in the nation, measuring in at a gaudy 6’2 230. He’s a power runner with some explosiveness. He’s not the fastest athlete but fools defenders into thinking he’s a lumbering fullback and that’s where he hits them with the acceleration. A load to bring down one on one.

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Harris also has great hands and has made some spectacular receptions for touchdowns. Where he really makes his money is his elite instincts and vision to go along with exceptional balance even with defenders draped all over him, rarely taking a loss.

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He has fully seized the bell cow duties for Nick Saban’s program, can he continue in that role for the 2020 season and cement himself as a Crimson Tide legend? It will be interesting to see how defenses will defend him with the Tide breaking in a new(ish) quarterback in likely starter Mac Jones. If all goes well, he will be a first round selection and Heisman contender in 2020.

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