He is a leader both on and off the field, and it’s been evident this year for Najee Harris.
As a senior at the University of Alabama, the talented running back from California has his team undefeated (6-0) and ranked No. 1 in college football. He decided to come back this season, despite a strong junior campaign, to better himself, improve his draft value, set some school records, win a few individual accolades, capture a national championship and most importantly, become a strong ambassador of the program. Harris has done all of these and then some, as he has been named a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award.
The news came on Tuesday from the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Selection Committee, as 20 student-athletes were chosen — including six via the Southeastern Conference.
The award, which is presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player’s leadership, both on an off the field. This is the fourth time the award is being presented since its inauguration in 2017.
RELATED: Nick Saban speaks on the chemistry of players on this Alabama team: “It is part of the reason I enjoy coaching them”
Along with being a great tight end at the University of Tennessee and through 16 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League, Jason Witten has been more so defined by his work in the community and being a family man.
When he is not hurdling defenders, breaking off long touchdown runs or catching passes out the backfield, Najee Harris is an active member in the Tuscaloosa (Ala.) community. He has turned in nearly 50 hours of community services, highlighted by the work he has done with the Alberta Head Start Unity Project. Harris overcame a rough childhood, in which he faced homelessness, to become a voice for Alabama football against social injustice. He has been one to push for a more unified campus, and he was one of the main athletes in the #WeWantToPlay movement over the summer. It was his voice that helped fans of college football cope with the global Coronavirus pandemic by having a football season. Nick Saban told Harris that if he would return for his senior year, he would help the former five-star make all of his goals come true.
It is safe to say Saban has done that.
RELATED: Alabama tight end, Miller Forristall explained where outside factors missed on Mac Jones at quarterback
For Harris, he has the Crimson Tide positioned for the College Football Playoff.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
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.
