College Football: Top 15 running backs entering 2018, ranked

LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 30: Running back Lexington Thomas #3 of the UNLV Rebels slips a tackle by linebacker Jamal Scott #42 of the San Jose State Spartans during their game at Sam Boyd Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

At Alabama, a school that brings in five-star running backs on an annual basis, it’s all about biding your time until you get your shot. Damien Harris was a five-star running back who chose Alabama in 2015, and it very safe to say that he got his shot – and, in the words of one Alexander Hamilton, did not throw it away.

Harris became the Tide’s first-choice back in 2016, and he had a tremendous season as the lightning to Bo Scarbrough‘s thunder, dashing his way to 1,037 yards on 7.1 yards per carry. He got a bit more all-around work in 2017 and had his best season to date, rushing for a clean 1,000 yards on a career-high 7.4 yards per carry and adding 11 touchdowns.

With Bama’s embarrassment of riches in the backfield – Scarbrough departs, but stud and rising sophomore Najee Harris returns – the elder Harris will likely be splitting carries again. That’s just the Nick Saban way. Just wait until the senior halfback gets to the NFL.

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