Najee Harris is now getting the attention of his two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
He does not praise a lot of people, but Ben Roethlisberger is happy to have Najee Harris.
At 39 years old, the six-time Pro Bowler sees the Alabama alumnus as a major factor. Harris was the sixth Crimson Tide player selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, as the Pittsburgh Steelers took him at No. 24 overall. He is coming off a season where he totaled 1,466 rushing yards, 425 receiving yards, and 30 total touchdowns. Harris is Alabama’s all-time leader rusher; however, he is more excited for the opportunity to dominate in the league.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder has been impressive through OTAs, and Roethlisberger has enjoyed Harris’ attention to detail. Roethlisberger, who enters his 18th NFL season this fall, said ‘nothing is too big’ for Harris as a rookie. The talented back has impressed his signal-caller with his consistent work ethic.
#Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger talking about Najee Harris: “He’s a really hard worker. He’s in extra long. I think the other day the running back coach told him, ‘Hey Najee, I have to go home now.’”pic.twitter.com/vOwW0Ji9S5
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) June 1, 2021
“He is in here extra long,” Roethlisberger said. “I think the other day the running back coach told him ‘Hey Najee, I have to go home now.’ That shows he’s still in there watching the film, he’s constantly asking questions, and that’s good. He doesn’t seem lost. His head is not spinning. He’s asking questions, which is good, but he’s out there and he’s playing fast. I think the most exciting part about Najee is once he gets it and it clicks and he goes full speed, it is going to be something to see.”
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Teams have to run the football in the NFL, especially in the AFC North.
Pittsburgh has its explosive hammer in Harris, and this bodes well for Roethlisberger.
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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.
