Bo Scarbrough snatched all headlines during the offseason, but Saturday night belonged to Damien Harris. After earning most valuable player honors on A-Day and improving his craft throughout summer workouts, Harris led all running backs in yards (both teams) against Southern California.
The 5-foot-11, 214-pound back totaled 138 of the team’s 242 rushing yards on nine carries. He averaged a jaw-dropping 15.3 yards per tote, with his longest run being in excess of 70 yards.
Despite some miscommunication between Harris and quarterback Jalen Hurts on a hand-off (lost fumble) and Trojans’ defensive back Adoree’ Jackson preventing a touchdown on both of Harris’ long runs, his efforts helped set up two scoring drives and gave Alabama momentum in its 52-6 win.
Harris, a native of Berea, Ky., was a five-star prospect upon signing to the Tide in 2015.
He rushed for 157 yards and a score on 46 carries a year ago; however, the combination of speed, power and patience he showed at AT&T Stadium has fans very excited for the sophomore.
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.
