Alabama’s Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris will attempt to restore something the team lacked in 2015; a true one, two punch at the running back position. Both guys return as sophomores in August and despite their physical capabilities, the challenge to be the best will start mentally.
The Pwc SMU Athletic Forum in Dallas appears to have faith in both backs, as Scarbrough and Harris were named to the 2016 Doak Walker Award watch list (nation’s top back) on Thursday.
While Harris played in more games last season, Scarbrough had the better yards per carry average (5.78). An NCAA suspension (academics) and prior knee issues limited Scarbrough to seven games, totaling 104 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
Harris recorded 157 yards rushing and a touchdown on 46 carries in 12 games, in addition to being on kick return. The Kentucky native and five-star recruit won the Dixie Howard Memorial Award for being the most valuable player in the Crimson Tide’s A-Day game. He led all backs in rushing with 114 yards on 20 carries, guiding team White (second team offense) to a 7-3 victory.
Former Tide running backs Trent Richardson (2011) and Derrick Henry (2015) are the only two in school history to win the Doak Walker honor. Both ended up being finalists for the Heisman Trophy.
With a new quarterback under center for a third straight year, it will be up to Scarbrough and Harris to keep Alabama in the positive when it comes to down and distance this season.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
