Najee Harris was a special running back at the University of Alabama, but his versatility as a wide receiver made the Crimson Tide unstoppable on offense.
His postseason games versus Florida, Notre Dame, and Ohio State in 2020 allowed him to be selected at No. 24 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL Draft. Harris totaled 100+ yards from scrimmage in all three matchups, including 176 receiving yards with four touchdowns on 16 catches combined.
As a California native, he is providing the same action for the Steelers.
RELATED: Trevon Diggs continues interception streak in Cowboys’ win over Patriots
After totaling his first 100-yard rushing game in a victory over Denver, Harris’ diversity came in the clutch for Pittsburgh in Sunday’s 23-20 overtime win over the Seattle Seahawks.
He recorded 81 yards rushing (24 carries), 46 yards receiving (six catches), and one touchdown.
Harris caught the lone score from Ben Roethlisberger: a 5-yard reception in the endzone in the second quarter. He was effective out the backfield for two touchdown drives.
Three of his seven catches came on those possessions. In his six games, Harris has a 100-yard rushing performance and a 100-yard receiving outing. He is eighth in the National Football League for rushing yards (388).
Harris is seven spots below the league’s leading rusher, Derrick Henry, an alumnus of Alabama football. The 6-foot-1, 232-pounder pushed the Steelers to back-to-back wins, improving it to 3-3 on the season.
He will lead Pittsburgh on the road against Cleveland next week in an AFC North game.
*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.
