Prospect Play: Najee Harris, RB Alabama

Ray Garvin Posted On June 20, 2020

The Prospect Play series is a quick film session that highlights specific traits and attributes from potential soon-to-be NFL Stars. Anybody can post the highlight reel plays; come take a look at some of the lesser-known plays that make these college prospects devy and dynasty talents.

Najee Harris, RB Alabama

Strengths: Size, footwork, receiving ability, power, athleticism

Weaknesses: Long speed and concerns over age

Najee Harris put on a show during the 2019 college season, showing that he could lead a backfield and carry a team as the lead rusher. After waiting patiently behind Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs, he had the backfield to himself last season and didn’t disappoint.

Many thought he was a lock to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft, however he shocked most draft experts by returning for his senior season. While it was a confusing decision to say the least, Harris will look to improve his draft stock and should have no troubles on his way to dominating the SEC once again.

The Stats

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Statistics from sports-reference.com.

For those who don’t know, Harris was the number two overall recruiting in the 2017 class and the top-rated running back. Harris had a monster high school career, rushing for over 7,900 yards and 94 touchdowns while adding an additional 438 yards in the receiving game.

His Alabama career started out a little slow with a log-jam at the top of the depth chart in 2017. He showed promise in 2018 in a complementary role, but showcased his talents to the world in 2019.

In this prospect play article, we take a look at his play strength and power; two of his most impressive traits. While watching, you’ll see other areas of his game that are impressive transferable skills. Harris is currently DLF’s consensus number three ranked devy running back

PROSPECT FILM BREAKDOWN

https://youtu.be/Qx-HPf7HgfI

College Football Season Outlook

Harris was named by Walter Camp as a second-team preseason All-American. He will resume his role as the lead back for the Crimson Tide and with the departure of the best quarterback in Alabama history (Tua Tagovailoa), Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, and Jedrick Wills. Mac Jones, the new starter for now, looked capable last season in relief of Tagovailoa, but the offense should still run through Harris.

Barring injury, he will lock in his second straight 1,000-yard season and while we can’t expect seven receiving touchdowns again, continued utilization in that department will only help elevate his draft stock.

2021 Dynasty Outlook

Harris currently has a devy startup ADP of eight and looks to be a locked-and-loaded first-round pick in rookies drafts next year despite concerns about his age. There isn’t much left for Harris to prove on the field in college, we just hope he makes it through the season healthy. We’ll continue to follow and track his progress during the season. Right now he’s firmly positioned as one of the top rushers in the country and in devy circles.