He now sits at the table of Alabama football royalty for running backs.
When he chose to come to the Crimson Tide in its 2017 signing class, Najee Harris had his sights on winning championships, grabbing individual accolades and setting school records. As a former five-star from Antioch, Calif., he has one national title and is currently pushing toward the other goals. In coming back for his senior season, Harris is turning in a very strong year.
On last week, he became the ninth running back in Tide history to join the 3,000-yard club.
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Before Alabama took on Mississippi State, Harris had 2,927 yards. He totaled 119 rushing yards on 21 carries versus the Bulldogs, which moved him to 3,091 yards for his career. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder is now ahead of Damien Harris (3,070) for eighth all-time in school history. Harris is behind seven legends — Trent Richardson, Mark Ingram, T.J. Yeldon, Kenneth Darby, Bobby Humphrey, Shaun Alexander and the leader, Derrick Henry — including two Heisman Trophy winners.
He needs 500 yards to tie Henry for first all-time.
Alabama has four regular season games left and the possibility of seven matchups (postseason included) remaining in the season. If he is to catch Henry, Harris has to average at least 100 yards per game. In terms of rushing touchdowns, he chimes in 34 for his career — which ties him with Johny Musso (1969-72) for sixth all-time.
Harris has three 100-yard rushing games this season and five 100-yard performances from scrimmage. He picked up a first down for the Crimson Tide on five of 21 attempts versus Mississippi State, including a pair of 14 yard runs in a 41-0 win for Alabama. Harris still leads the Southeastern Conference for carries (124), rushing yards (714) and rushing scores (14).
His 14 touchdowns is first in all of college football.
Harris and the Tide have a bye week now, but it will face the LSU Tigers in two weeks.
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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.
