Much attention was placed on the offensive and defensive lines, but the linebacker position was a point of emphasis for Nick Saban in the 2019 signing class for the University of Alabama.
He collected four linebackers in the top-ranked group – including one who is already flexing muscles in the offseason weight program.
Christian Harris, a four-star from Baton Rouge, La., fits the modern-day inside ‘backer under Saban. In the past, the six-time national champion has recruited student-athletes at 250+ pounds to captain the defense but times have certainly changed.
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After seeing the turnout with more athletic guys inside, especially Reuben Foster, Rashaan Evans, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Mack Wilson, Saban has refined his scheme and looks for players between 230 and 240 pounds.
At 6-foot-2 and 244 pounds, Harris is the ideal body type and though he has to wait, it has not deterred the freshman from wanting to get stronger.
Tyler Owens, one of the strength coaches under Scott Cochran, posted a video to Twitter on Monday that showed Harris attacking a 365-pound power clean with ease.
Just getting started. Young dog eating 365 like it’s nothing. @Charris_36 pic.twitter.com/ITfvgRcEyH
— Tyler Owens (@TOwens034) June 24, 2019
He is not afraid to pursue success away from home, seeing how Harris joins Dylan Moses and Christopher Allen in leaving Baton Rouge for Tuscaloosa, Ala.
As No. 79 on the ESPN 300, University Lab School had a wide receiver, safety and return specialist in Harris. His versatility in all three phases helped the Cubs win back-to-back state championships in 2017 and 2018. While he first came in at 235 pounds, Harris added some weight before Alabama updated its football roster on rolltide.com.
He looks to get better within the system, push some players in fall camp, and hopefully gain an opportunity to contribute in the upcoming season.
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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.
