Alabama has churned out three All-America running backs since Nick Saban took over
as coach in 2007. And it’s a testament to the Tide’s depth at the position that the guy
who could this year become the fourth has barely seen the field in his two seasons
in Tuscaloosa.
Najee Harris was the No. 1 recruit in the nation in 2017. But at Bama he’s been stuck
toward the bottom of the depth chart. In his limited action, though, Harris has shown the
potential for stardom; he led the Tide with 6.7 yards per carry last season. Harris has more
speed than his 230-pound frame would suggest. And now, with 2018’s top rushers Josh
Jacobs and Damien Harris in the NFL, Najee Harris is unquestionably the lead back. He
steps into what should be another high-octane Tide offense. QB Tua Tagovailoa was the
Heisman Trophy runner-up last year as a sophomore when he threw for a school-record
3,966 yards and 43 TDs. He’ll have future first-round pick Jerry Jeudy, a junior wide receiver,
as a target.
Making big plays won’t be as difficult as stopping them. Last year Bama gave up twice
as many gains of at least 30 yards as it did in 2017, and Clemson torched Alabama
44–16 in the national title game. The teams are likely to meet again. If Bama wants a
different result, the defense, led by DT Raekwon Davis, will have to play more like the unit
that was the fourth hardest to score on during the regular season.2018 RECORD: 14– 1
ALABAMAALABAMAALABAMA
together defenses that were
ranked in the top 10 nationally
in points allowed in four of the
past five seasons.
Even if the D can’t
completely reload, the Tigers
will still be in good shape
thanks to Lawrence. The
thought of the Heisman
front-runner getting better
in his second year is a
scary thought for the rest of
KEV the nation.