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SEC Football: 10 true freshmen who’ll have instant impact in 2017

By Erich Hilkert

Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Mack Wilson (30) during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Mack Wilson (30) during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) carries the ball for the white team during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) carries the ball for the white team during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Najee Harris is one of the top overall prospects of the 2017 class. While Alabama has more than enough talent at running back, the team did an excellent job of spreading carries around last season. Harris is far too talented to not work his way into the rotation barring an unforeseen injury.

He is slightly lower on the list simply because he will receive carries, but Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris are likely to be the first options. Harris will have a chance to display his talents as a running back and he figures to play prominently into the teams’ special teams plans.

The consensus five-star prospect from California has drawn comparisons to former workout partner Joe Mixon, another former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, and former Alabama running back Derrick Henry. In terms of size, it is easy to see the Mixon comparisons. Both backs have identical weights and Mixon is 6-foot-1, while Harris is 6-foot-2.

Alabama did not hesitate to use Derrick Henry right away and his situation was similar to that of Harris. He had a few other more experienced running backs ahead of him on the depth chart, but Alabama found a way to get Henry carries and the program will do the same with Harris.

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