College Football: 5 running backs who’ll contend for Heisman Trophy in 2020

In each of his three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Najee Harris has seen his production increase significantly. That trend, barring injury, is almost guaranteed to continue in 2020. That’s especially true when you consider the transition that the Tide will undergo this season.

Gone is Tua Tagovailoa, who is now in South Beach preparing for his debut NFL season as a Miami Dolphin. In his place will be either Mac Jones or Bryce Young.

For Harris, this will likely mean an increased workload. After Tua’s injury in 2019, Harris got 27 carries against Auburn and 24 carries against Michigan, the two highest totals he saw on the season.

One of the revelations of 2019 was Harris’ emergence as a pass-catcher. After only ten receptions in his first two seasons, the Tide tailback caught 27 passes for 304 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago. Not only will he be relied upon to carry the ball more often in 2020, but he’ll also make things easier for his quarterback by being a factor in the pass game.

Harris will become Alabama’s all-time leading rusher, surpassing Heisman winner Derrick Henry, if he gains 1,215 yards in 2020. It’s not just the record that Harris is eyeing though. If things go well in Tuscaloosa, it could be a return to the College Football Playoff behind a Heisman running back that lies ahead for the Tide.