Alabama had two Heisman-winning running backs that got stronger as the season went on, especially the surge Derrick Henry had in the latter portion of 2015.
It seemed stupid at first to compare Najee Harris to the greatness of Henry; however, the junior running back is now making a case. He has always been thought of as more of the “finesse” back, while his counterpart – Brian Robinson — supplied all the power.
This evaluation appeared to be true, until the Crimson Tide made a move to start Landon Dickerson at center and Deonte Brown at right guard. The decision from Nick Saban and Alabama’s coaching staff has pushed the intensity and toughness out of the California kid.
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Before cracking his first 100-yard game of the year versus Southern Mississippi, Harris accounted for 156 rushing yards with one touchdown on 31 carries. The former five-star averaged 4.9 yards per rush and was obsessed with trying to bounce every run outside.
A more power-oriented offensive line has paid dividends, seeing as how Harris recorded 400 yards with two scores on 64 carries in the last four games. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder followed his act against the Golden Eagles with a pair of 100-yard performances in matchups with Southeastern Conference schools. He had a career day of 114 yards rushing on 20 attempts versus Texas A&M, and then pounded Tennessee for 105 yards and two scores on 21 carries.
Harris’ yards per carry average jumped to 6.3 in those games, while his overall production improved to 5.9 yards/rush.
As the Tide faces Arkansas for homecoming on Saturday inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, one can expect a big outing from him against the Razorbacks.
He currently sits at 556 rushing yards, which is sixth in the SEC.
Rakeem Boyd, Arkansas’ leading rusher, is third in the conference with 656 yards.
Tide fans want to see a good pig roast – prior to LSU – and Harris anticipates hitting open holes and wearing down the Hogs on its defensive front. He is averaging 79.4 yards per contest, but look for that number to rise this weekend. Defensively, Arkansas has been horrible against the run – surrendering 193 yards per game and 12 touchdowns. Harris will be ready to eat.
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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.
