2021 NFL Draft: Najee Harris a powerful runner on light feet
By Cory Kinnan
Najee Harris is off to a hot start with the 2021 NFL Draft next
Alabama running back Najee Harris opted not to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft and to return to Tuscaloosa for this senior season. Thus far, this has turned out to be a great decision as Harris is off to a blazing start for the Crimson Tide this season through three weeks. He put together a stellar performance in the Alabama victory over Ole Miss, and he will look to continue his success with the 2021 NFL Draft on the horizon.
As the Crimson Tide took down the Rebels by a score of 63-48, they racked up over 700 yards of total offense on the day. A massive contributor on the day, Harris lit up the scoreboard as he rushed for 206 yards and five touchdowns on 23 carries in the Alabama backfield; he added three catches for 42 yards as well, proving to be a versatile weapon.
Looking at his career at Alabama
More from With the First Pick
- 2024 NFL Draft: Prospect Viewing Guide for Week 0
- 2024 NFL Draft: All Eyes On NFL Draft Defensive Prospects
- Player Spotlight: USC Safety Calen Bullock
- 2024 Senior Bowl Watchlist Announced
- 2024 NFL Draft: Florida State is Loaded with Prospect in 2023
Entering what is presumed to be his last year at the University of Alabama, the 6-foot-2 and 230 pound running back has had quite the successful career in Tuscaloosa. Coming off his first career 1,000 yard rushing season, Harris rushed for over 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2019, adding another 304 yards and seven touchdowns on 27 catches out of the backfield as well.
Sharing a backfield with the likes of Josh Jacobs, Damien Harris, and Kenyan Drake, Harris has tallied a career total of over 2,500 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns while at Alabama. He has racked up 357 yards and 10 touchdowns through three games in 2020 thus far, adding another seven catches for 76 yards as a receiver out of the backfield as well.
As Harris is stacking up numbers, and with the 2021 NFL Draft up next, where does Harris win and have room to improve? What is the prospective outlook for Harris when the main event in April rolls around? We explore this here in this scouting report on Alabama’s star running back.