The collaboration of Nick Saban and Bill Belichick still works.
His partner went in the first round to the Oakland Raiders, but running back Damien Harris exited the board to the New England Patriots at the 87th overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft.
The Kentucky native and former five-star joins a loaded backfield that consists of Sony Michel, James White, Brandon Bolden and Rex Burkhead.
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Harris was a two-time 1,000-yard rusher in 2016 and 2017 and finished his career as the University of Alabama’s eighth leading rusher of all-time with 3,070 yards.
He led the Crimson Tide in rushing last season with 876 yards and had nine touchdowns.
Despite not having one aspect that he excels in, Harris gives a team production between the tackles, in space, as a receiver and in pass protection. His athleticism was on display at the NFL Scouting Combine with him placing among the top backs in his 40-time (4.57 seconds) and vertical jump (37”). He was explosive in on-field drills and showed hops by jumping over a cameraman at the pass-catching station.
Along with being a strong athlete, Harris’ intelligence as a student of the game makes him the ideal teammate for Tom Brady. His ability to articulate coverages and defensive alignment, while being decisive in finding the right holes to hit screams Belichick all over him.
Like his predecessor Mark Ingram, Harris will grow with being in a system that continues the development he had at Alabama.
He was used to sharing the workload at Bryant-Denny Stadium and now he will have a chance to succeed in sharing responsibilities at Gillette Stadium.
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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.
