Harris hit the college scene as a highly coveted recruit. For example, in this clip below, Najee does a great job of setting up the defender with his outside hip, dipping his shoulders to freeze the defender, and bursts through the contact to pick up extra yards. He checked in at just 4.66 seconds as a college recruit, though. Is it safe to rely on Trevor Lawrence in this week's player props? His 26 TD runs were 2nd most in Tide history, behind only Henrys 2015. Based on our award-winning projections, an axis of data points give insights far deeper than a ranking, Round-by-Round Draft Strategy Guides, Sleepers, Undervalued Players, Busts and Handcuffs. Alabama 31, Notre Dame 14, College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl "The contrast between 15 and now is amazing.. First all, it was an incredible honor to play running back at Alabama because a lot of those guys you see in the league, Damien Harris said, so being able to see Najee again and play against him, itll be a lot of fun. If Fournette, who last played Week 15, does suit up, he'll be in line to step right back into a heavy workload with Ronald Jones (ankle) out of action. Bro you have to get out.. No Gavin Lux -- big problem. Connelly's C-USA preview, part 2: Which returning teams could rule new-look league? Locksley credits Alabama analyst and former Tennessee head coach Butch Jones for playing a pivotal role mentoring Harris during that trying time. You have to go through the process and youre not going to a small university that doesnt have great backs. The result: Through 11 games, Harris has racked up 32 receptions, which is more than any Alabama running back since 2009, when Mark Ingram caught 32 passes in 14 games. Harris might have been molded into a more straight-ahead, move-the-sticks type of runner five years ago, Lester said. But Damien Harris, when it comes down it, is the guy wholl get the clutch time touches. He can make defenders miss in a phone booth. He looks primed to be a top 10 dynasty RB for the next few seasons. Harris leaned on Alabama staffer Evan Van Nostrand, a Marine veteran, when dealing with the tragic loss of friends because he knew he could relate. The athlete has participated in three of the Summer Olympics games. With a back the size of Najee Harris, most assume that hes going to just be a power back, but that couldnt be further from the truth. Raymond Ablack Wife: Is Love In The Villa Cast Married Jordan Steinhauer? Heres who has offered big bucks so far. The paths of KD and Kyrie: How one month changed three franchises and two superstar legacies. Moreover, Mizuki Saito is just years old. Harris' most noticeable improvement has come in the passing game, an area Lester said they worked on every day, either at the start of their workouts or at the close. This year is another with Tagovailoa serving up darts in a RPO-heavy system. Who were the fastest defensive backs? Patterson / Associated Press 2020, OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 31: Marshawn Lynch #24 giving advice to running back George Atkinson #45 of the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 31, 2017 in Oakland, California. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. What it means in fantasy: A thigh injury forced Harris to leave last Thursday's game against the Vikings after only 11 snaps. Who Are Jamie And Dan? He could be bitter about his unstable upbringing, but Najee Harris chooses to go the other way. Harris received a platelet-rich plasma injection in the later part of the week and reported feeling good after Friday's activity, enhancing the chances of the rookie suiting up versus Kansas City. The speedster's absence should result in Breshad Perriman bumping up to the No. Moore (ankle) is questionable heading into Saturday's final practice ahead of Monday night's game against the Rams and practiced in limited fashion both Thursday and Friday. 7 Public Market, Rochester, NY 14609 | 833-333-7238, Type in the box above or press ESC to close, NFL DFS Showdown Lineup Picks: Steelers-Ravens, NFL Week 16 Preview: Fantasy Football Podcast, NFL Week 15 Recap Fantasy Football Podcast, NFL Week 15 Preview: Fantasy Football Podcast. He had 61 carries as a freshman and told the San Francisco Chronicle he thought about transferring. I was fortunate to play with a lot of great running backs. Sure, Harris was big, powerful and fast, but he wasn't refined in terms of understanding pass protection or route running. Games Viewed: LSU (2019), Tennesee (2019), Auburn (2019), Kentucky (2020), Ohio State (2020), Georgia (2020). Harris isnt a crazy pick at his current RB19 ADP in FFPC best-ball drafting (late in Round 3). Snell doesnt provide a distinctive skill set or any natural dynamic playmaking, but the coaches still have faith in him, for better or worse. Kiper compared him to Le'Veon Bell in that they both fool defenses with how quick they are. I dont really know how Im going to get this person back yet. Present-day Harris looks faster than 4.66, but Id still bet hes closer to 4.60 than to 4.45. Having to wait his turn was another new experience for Harris, one he shares with a number of five-star recruits who arrive to a crowded depth chart in Tuscaloosa. 2019 took Jacobs and Damien Harris out of the way, and Najee Harris finally took control. If Najee Harris does end up at Alabama, his brother won't be pleased But I can't imagine significantly downgrading Harris because he'll be 27 (or 28) at the end of his 1st contract rather than 26 (or 27). . Which non-quarterback group will define each top-25 team's season? Ward (knee) is questionable heading into Saturday's final practice ahead of Monday night's game against the Rams and missed the first two practices of the week. There were some touchy moments with Nick Saban too. Design And Meaning Explained. This is a staple of Najees game, and hes fantastic in these situations. One Crimson Tide writer reported hearing a 4.45 time for Harris in 2020. 2 overall player in the 2017 class, is breaking out, right? Adaptability is the key to Sabans long college football reign. Lots of guys can -- or at least try to -- leap over a defender these days. I think people have a good idea who it was. I've been catching the ball since I was in the fetus position.". Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook. Really, its a credit to Nick Saban and his willingness to adjust. Second-year back Ke'Shawn Vaughn and veteran Le'Veon Bell would be in line to handle the bulk of Tampa Bay's backfield work versus Philadelphia if Leonard Fournette (hamstring) also sits out, while Vaughn would likely serve as Fournette's primary backup if the latter does play. What it means in fantasy: Further testing revealed on Mitchell's knee revealed a sprained MCL that was eerily similar to the one he sustained in his right knee in Week 1 against the Bears. Najee Harris Stats, News, Bio | ESPN But Harris isnt just a dangerous screen option. One knock youll see on Harris is that he doesnt have the acceleration or long speed to create big plays to the same degree a faster back such as Travis Etienne might be able to. Antioch High's Najee Harris (2) tries to get past, from left, San Ramon Valley High's Ben Lageson (42), Matt Jackson (51) and Nicolai Katona (40) in the second quarter of their North Coast Section . He began his college career playing behind future NFL backs, Bo Scarbrough, Damien Harris, and Josh Jacobs, to name a few.As a result, it's not surprising that Harris' first two seasons in Tuscaloosa weren't all that productive, but don't let that fool you. What stands out most about Harris, though -- especially for a guy with his size and running power -- is his receiving ability. Harris, 23, and Lynch, 35, met a few years ago, kept in touch and reconnected as Harris, an Antioch High alum, completed his college career at Alabama in January. That Saturday marked the beginning of a complicated relationship between Harris, Crimson Tide fans, coaches and all the culture that surrounded celebrity status in what was a foreign land for Harris. 2 overall recruit in the 2017 class so there were big expectations upon arrival. He has won several medals in team competitions of the Olympics. But the whole point of the RBs dont matter movement among some football analytics folks is that the difference in production has tended to depend more on surrounding factors than player talent. He's a massive running . 2017 five-star running back Najee Harris intends to attend the University of Michigan, according to his brother Malachi Harris. Im good, Harris said. All rights reserved (About Us). Also Read: Miami Dolphins: Is Hunter Long Related To Howie Long? For them to throw me in the fire when we were losing, Najee Harris says, it means Saban really trusted me and us as freshmen in the biggest game of the year, that made the era of Saban even bigger than what it was.. His 69 career receptions are the most at the position under Saban and are nearly twice the total of former All-SEC back Eddie Lacy. Sure, he looked the part of a workhorse in the mold of predecessor Derrick Henry, but Harris was capable of much more. When I watch Najee Harris catch the football, I think of Matt Forte. Eno Benjamin and Jonathan Ward (knee) would be in line for significantly expanded roles if James Conner (ribs) joined Edmonds on the inactives list. If Williams, who averaged 4.1 yards per carry and 9.0 yards per reception in the seven games during which he logged double-digit carries this season, is able to suit up, he'll be set to handle lead-back duties with Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) ruled out. He began his college career playing behind future NFL backs, Bo Scarbrough, Damien Harris, and Josh Jacobs, to name a few. He wasn't elusive enough or explosive enough or enough of a third-down threat. He finished his Alabama career with school records for rushing yards, rushing TDs and total TDs. Theres also the silly athleticism that youve probably already seen. The NFL dream was in reach and the four-month sprint to the finish was about to begin. The true freshman ranked 4th on the team (ahead of Jacobs) with 61 carries. We picked bold, outside-the-box moves for every NFL team. Early years [ edit] Harris attended Madison Southern High School in Berea, Kentucky. When in comes to size, Harris is pretty much dead in the middle of the pack when it comes to the Alabama backs. Damien Harris and Jacobs were back for Najee Harris sophomore year that saw an increased workload of 117 carries for 783 yards, but he was still the third option. That launched a 12-year career memorable for Lynch steamrolling prospective tacklers, his eccentric reluctance in dealing with the media (Im just here so I wont get fined) and his benevolence to Oakland, his hometown. Harris has good enough long speed, but he lacks the elite long speed to rip off huge runs consistently. Our PPR projections show that Damien Harris is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Najee Harris is projected to score 0.0 points. Meyers (thigh) is questionable for Saturday night's game against the Bills after practicing in limited fashion all week. Were going into Week 2, so I dont think anybody or any team is where theyre going to be at the end of the year, so you just have to continue to have confidence in one another. Who Should I Start? Damien Harris or Najee Harris At times, Harris runs upright at the point of contact, and while he was a tackle-breaking machine in college, I could see bigger linebackers being able to take him down when he gets to the NFL. 11:33 am ET. Three trades in a chaotic top five, The new law changing service academy football, and the coaches pushing back, Realignment chatter: How the Pac-12 holds the key to it all. Start a rebuild? Even if Harris slots behind a few other backs in his class in pure speed, he certainly sports enough of an all-around talent package to take advantage of this situation. The trio of Harris, Harris and Jacobs projects to reach just 352 carries in a 14-game season. In addition, he agreed to be Nikes spokesperson, which will only raise his earnings. But he remains a third option in Alabamas backfield when it comes to high-stress snaps. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. He played college football at Alabama and was selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft . He hired Doug Hendrickson, Lynch . What it means in fantasy: Coach Robert Saleh said Carter could play against the Vikings on Sunday. If Williams is also out or is limited, Derrick Gore and Jerick McKinnon will be charged with handling additional volume against a Steelers defense that gave up an NFL-high 164.9 rushing yards per road game this season. Heck, it might even be lucrative. sends student to hospital, California extends deadline to file 2022 income taxes to match IRS decision, A $200M bike bridge tantalized this Bay Area city. It's fantasy football playoffs time. The news: Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase is expected to return on Sunday against the Chiefs. Mike Locksley was offensive coordinator during Harris' first two seasons at Alabama, and he remembers a young running back who relied on his natural abilities. Najee is his own person, but theres no one better than Marshawn to give advice and mentorship to the next guy coming up. Regardless, Harris only logged 25 runs of 20+ yards in his collegiate career. Harris is an exceptional pass catcher with a ridiculous catch radius, thanks to his large frame. Najee Harris has fantastic wiggle and agility for a bigger back. Family And Net Worth, New York Giants: How Many Tattoo Does Tyrod Taylor Have? The news: 49ers RB Elijah Mitchell is expected to miss six to eight weeks with a sprained MCL. . During his time at Alabama, Harris played with six running backs currently on NFL rosters and two more that have been. All Rights Reserved. Harris also led the nation in rushing TDs, scrimmage yards and total TDs. Watson (quadriceps) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles but managed to work back to a full practice Friday. After his demanding plays while still a high school student at Antioch High School, he gained notoriety. 4 receiver if he does suit up against Las Vegas. In dynasty formats, Harris deserves to go in the first three picks of rookie drafts and is the odds on favorite to be the most popular selection at the 1.01 this spring. After an unpredictable and highly entertaining first 18-week season in NFL history, we've finally arrived at the postseason and the first ever Super Wild-Card Weekend. Well see whether Harris gives us anything at the Crimson Tides 2nd pro day, on March 30. "I've been really impressed with how he's matured in that phase of the game.". 2 overall player in the 2017 . It would be wise for the Ravens not to rush him back since they have Gus Edwards and Kenyan Drake on the roster. Email marketing by StrikeStack. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Najee Harris unique combination of power and agility help him break tackles with ease in the open field. Its just a part of the sport. Theres a lot to love about the RB out of Bama but before we get to what shows up on tape and how Harris projects to the NFL, lets take a deeper look at his college production profile. Yes and no. Well, even if you can't, this just might be the week to chase his player prop. Najee Harris's outlook is informed by his past. But every time I go to my locker, it just reminds me, one, of how much better Alabama is, but, two, Im going to get him back.. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. But even that coming-out party, which featured 304 yards and seven touchdowns through the air, wasn't enough to dispel the notion that he was a one-dimensional back. Najee Harris appeared to break new recruiting ground by inadvertently confirming he'll remain loyal to his Alabama commitment via a change of flight plans Thursday. He ran for 143 more yards than Jacobs on 3 fewer carries. Najee Harris is the latest -- and perhaps most versatile -- of the group. Pittsburgh (24th), Buffalo (30th) or Tampa Bay (32nd) late in Round 1 would present plenty of upside as well. If you need a wide receiver, pick him up. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Gordon will be difficult to trust for fantasy even if he makes the active roster. Its at play again. Despite any relative lack of speed, though, Harris isnt just some big, stiff runner. Jefferson notably downgraded to a limited practice Friday following a full Thursday session, and if he were unable to suit up, Ben Skowronek would be line to serve as the No. Harris 1,446 rushing yards were the most in the SEC and third-most in the country. Two friends were killed in a short period of time back home, and Harris had his own terrifying encounter. Per PFF, Harris broke 25 tackles on his 43 receptions in 2020. Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans) Damien Harris - Wikipedia He returned to the field after several plays but left again after a hard hit. Najee Harris: Prep football offensive player of the decade Daily Notes: Najee Harris hurt on MNF, Damien Harris out Thursday, Ja'Marr Chase to return. Najee Harris Stats, News, Bio | ESPN Clever retorts aside, Harris hasn't been catching passes since birth, as he claimed. Najee Harris is an interesting NFL draft evaluation because he brings a skill-set unlike really any we've seen recently. After being selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers 2011 NBA, Read More Kyrie Irving Anti Semetic Tweet: What Did He Say About Jewish People? Compete for $25,000 in guaranteed prizes! 1 college football recruit. Lets start with what you probably expect to find from a 230-pound back. Stroud says he's top player, defends run ability, Alabama QB Young undeterred by size questions, NFL draft questions, predictions for combine workouts: Potential risers, top QBs and burners to watch, College Football Playoff preview: Keys to Alabama-Notre Dame, Clemson-Ohio State, College football bowl picks: Predicting the score of every game, College football bowl game schedule: Scores, recaps, games. , Im going to let it simmer. But its one of those stickers that you cant really take off without it just leaving a type of adhesive all over the locker. With Alabama down a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the 2018 national title game with Georgia, it was Najee Harris on the field.