The disrespect that national media has shown Mac Jones of Alabama has reached Damien Harris, and the former Crimson Tide standout is not with it. Despite him being a fan of Tide football, Stephen A. Smith of ESPN is not particularly a fan of Jones leading the team to the playoff.
On Wednesday, he made it loud and clear on ESPN’s First Take.
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Smith started his statement with saying ‘I don’t want to see no scrubs in college football.’
His preference was to see Tua Tagovailoa – a known commodity and special talent – lead Alabama to a national championship; however, the responsibility now falls on the sophomore in Jones.
He even went as far as to label Jones as a ‘no name’ player.
These comments did not sit well with Harris, who looks at Jones as a son in football.
What does a father (even a play one) do in this situation?
Of course, he defends his son and Harris did just that on Twitter.
A third-round pick of the New England Patriots back in April, he quoted the tweet from First Take stating “Just because you respect Alabama doesn’t mean you can disrespect Mac Jones. Y’all really acting outta line lol.”
Just because you respect Alabama doesn’t mean you can disrespect Mac Jones. Y’all really acting outta line lol https://t.co/PvdQQhHzSs
— Damien Harris (@DHx34) November 27, 2019
Hailing from Jacksonville, Fla., Jones will start in his first ever Iron Bowl on Saturday versus Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium. A dream to be in the College Football Playoff for a sixth consecutive year remains in line for the Tide. It must handle the Tigers convincingly and everything starts with Jones going through the game with confidence and composure.
Being around him for two years (2017-18), Harris got to know Jones as a confident and calculated player.
He thoroughly understands who he is and while he is not Tagovailoa, the former four-star embraces being doubted. The team has not panicked since the native Hawaiian went down.
In fact, the Tide has grown even closer and everyone has bought in on Jones.
Harris is not one for the foolishness and he is ready to watch his son shock the world.
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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.
