The NFL Draft begins next Thursday in Cleveland, Ohio.
He dominated the Southeastern Conference at the University of Alabama, but Najee Harris is ready to take on the aspects of becoming a professional athlete. He is arguably the best running back in the class; however, the California native loves to increase his knowledge. During his preparation for the draft, the former Crimson Tide standout has trained with Adrian Peterson.
RELATED: Former SEC wide receiver shares a message to DeVonta Smith before NFL Draft
After becoming a household name at the University of Oklahoma, Peterson was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2007 draft to the Minnesota Vikings. He played 14 seasons (2007-20) in the league with the Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins/Football Team, and Detriot Lions.
In 2017, Peterson played in four games for the Saints and six games for the Cardinals after being traded. He totaled eight 1,000-yard rushing seasons and was one of eight backs in NFL history to record 2,000 yards rushing in a single season. Peterson accomplished the feat in 2012 (2,097) with the Vikings and won league MVP.
He led the NFL in rushing yards for three seasons (2008, 2012, 2015), was a four-time first-team All-Pro, and was selected to seven Pro Bowls in his career. The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder is currently a free agent, but he is getting Harris into a mindset to take over the league. Harris shared photos to Twitter of him working with Peterson, and the legend posted pictures too.
Iron sharpens iron !! pic.twitter.com/buAhzZOVrc
— Najee Harris (@ohthatsNajee22) April 19, 2021
Iron Sharpens Iron!! League isn’t ready for @ohthatsNajee22 💥 #AllDay pic.twitter.com/iOPdYKAxlC
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) April 20, 2021
— Najee Harris (@ohthatsNajee22) April 20, 2021
Harris ended his tenure at Alabama as the school’s all-time leading rusher with 3,843 yards and 46 touchdowns.
RELATED: Miami Dolphins sign former Alabama offensive tackle, D.J. Fluker
He collected 1,466 rushing yards, 425 receiving yards, and 30 total scores in 2020. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder was a Heisman finalist, Unanimous first-team All-American, first-team All-SEC selection, and Doak Walker Award winner.
He won two national championships with the Tide and two SEC titles. Harris fits the modern-day role at running back, and Tide fans are ready to watch him.
*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.
