ESPN compiled a list of most unheralded star from each team in the top 25, and Najee Harris was named Alabama’s unheralded player to watch this season.
As ESPN puts it, “every team has one — the do-everything player who rarely grabs the headlines but is one of the biggest reasons for success. To their teammates, though, they are not working in obscurity and deserve a little love.”
Harris, who decided to return for his senior season, has done everything he can to help the Crimson Tide each season. In his first season at Alabama, Harris recorded 370 yards off of 61 carries for 3 touchdowns. In his sophomore season, Najee had 117 carries for 783 yards and 4 touchdowns. And finally, last season, Harris’ role became more dominate on offense, especially after Tua Tagovailoa endured a season-ending injury. Harris finished the season with 1,224 yards rushing off of 209 carries. He also had a career best 13 touchdowns.
According to ESPN:
“It’s time to give Harris his due. The former blue-chip recruit had a slow start to his career in Tuscaloosa, struggling with the details of the position at the college level. But boy did he turn a corner last season, emerging as a dependable workhorse behind Tua Tagovailoa, rushing for 1,224 yards and 13 touchdowns. And with an inexperienced Mac Jones expected to take the reins at quarterback, don’t be surprised if Harris’ number of carries grows considerably next season, transforming into a pleasant surprise into a potential All-American.”
There’s no doubt that Harris will not only have a dominate role on Alabama’s offense this season, but he’s also someone to look out for in the Heisman race.
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