Alabama Football: Ranking the Top 5 Running Backs in Nick Saban’s Era

4: Damien Harris

Damien Harris sits at No. 4 on the list because he was one of my favorite Alabama running backs to watch. He was a silent killer on the field and was good at everything he did.

According to 247Sports, he was the top-ranked running back and the No. 1 player from Kentucky.

During his freshman season, he was Derrick Henry’s backup and only got 157 yards and one touchdown.

However, once Henry left, Harris stepped into the starting role nicely.

He started in 2016, 2017 and 2018. It was a shock that he came back for his senior year. However, that is another reason he makes my list. Harris is a team player that wanted to help Alabama succeed during his senior season.

As a sophomore, Harris rushed 146 times for 1,037 yards averaging 7.1 yards a carry and two touchdowns. He also had 14 catches for 99 yards and two scores. Despite having over 1000 yards, Harris didn’t get into the endzone often.

His junior year was his best year at Alabama. Harris rushed 135 times for 1000 yards averaging an unstoppable 7.4 yards a carry. He recorded11 rushing touchdowns that season as well.

Harris continued his success through his senior season. This past season, the running back toted the rock 150 times for 876 yards, nine touchdowns and averaged 5.8 yards a carry.

He was 124 yards away from having three 1000 yard seasons. Harris wasn’t the flashiest, he ran the ball and did his job at Alabama. There wasn’t much that he couldn’t do well.

Harris makes the list for his consistency and because he didn’t make it all about him, it was about Alabama football and making it successful. Not to mention he was just plain good at Alabama.