Damien Harris loves the University of Alabama.
It is a genuine appreciation of him toward the school when he talks to students, takes interviews from local media and in his decision to forgo the 2018 NFL Draft, Harris’ value of college life and being around his head coach – Nick Saban – drove him to return for his senior season.
He has had moments of frustration, especially when he’s taken out of games where he has supplied the momentum, but Harris continues to provide a brand of leadership and exceptional play that has him inching closer to setting a huge mark for the Crimson Tide’s record book.
The senior from Kentucky turned in his second 100-yard rushing outing of the season, during Alabama’s 29-0 win over LSU. Behind a solid offensive line, the former five-star collected 107 of the team’s 281 rushing yards with one touchdown on 19 carries. Harris gashed the Tigers’ defensive front for a few chunk yardage plays, to the tune of a 5.6 yards per carry average.
While he stands ninth in program history in rushing yards with 2,739, Harris is 458 yards shy of becoming the first running back to record three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Tide.
With three regular season games left and a postseason to follow, he stands at 542 yards rushing with six touchdowns on 87 carries. Harris has been an ambassador for Alabama football both on and off the field; however, to secure this record and head to the National Football League would place a nice touch to end his career.
He will face a tough defensive front this weekend as the Tide hosts Mississippi State at Bryant-Denny Stadium; nevertheless, Harris is always up for a challenge.
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.
