Alabama Football: 5 biggest recruiting steals of Nick Saban era

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TUSCALOOSA, AL – SEPTEMBER 29: Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes against the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

4. Najee Harris, Class of 2017

Stolen from: Michigan Wolverines

There were questions as to how Jim Harbaugh would recruit once he got to Michigan. He has done well, but people thought he was going to do better when they expected Najee Harris to join the Wolverines. Harris was the best running back of his class, and he was expected to be an immediate contributor wherever he went.

Alabama and Michigan appeared to be in a dead heat as it came time for Harris to decide, but the Wolverines were certainly trying to steal him. Many thought he had the chance to go to Michigan. Jim Harbaugh had ties to the state of California, and he was seen as the new young recruiter in college football. At the end of the day, that wasn’t enough to land Najee Harris. Najee wanted to go compete against the highest competition, and he is doing just that at Alabama.

Alabama is so competitive that Harris still hasn’t been a starter for the Tide. Whether it’s Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, or Josh Jacobs, there has always been at least two backs in front of him. He will now finally get his chance to start, and he will make the most of it. He is strong, elusive, and an overall great talent.

Najee Harris had the talent to potentially start every year at Michigan, but he has turned into a better back at Alabama. The Wolverines could use him in 2019, but it’s his turn to start with the Tide. Michigan fans will always wonder what would have happened if he had chosen them, but they will have to keep wondering.

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