His aim is to be a complete player this fall and speed is what he is lacking.
Despite a slow start to the 2019 season, Najee Harris exploded with his first career 1,000-yard rushing campaign (1,224) and totaled 13 touchdowns. He also caught 27 passes – including seven for scores and instead of turning professional, he chose to return to Alabama this year. For the former five-star out of California, consistent speed and aggressiveness are both areas needing improvement.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder is a tremendous athlete who did not begin tapping into his potential greatness until a matchup versus LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
After that game, a different person started running the ball for Alabama.
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Former NFL rusher Derrick Blaylock and ex-Auburn star Brad Lester have both been training with Harris this summer. The idea for both has been to get the speed, explosiveness, pad level and aggressiveness/decision-making in order for Harris. While both guys appreciate the athlete that he is, Blaylock said ‘speed kills’ and the moment Harris gets his 40-time to a 4.40 it’s over for defenses in college football.
Harris has been running on overspeed treadmills, racing drones and performing other exercises dedicated to his training. He has quite a few goals he wants to accomplish in the coming season, and both Blaylock and Lester want to see it happen.
On Friday, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine highlighted the training regimen of Harris via In My Own Words.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
