Damien Harris

in our view

Overall, Harris’ lack of initial explosion is his most glaring concern, but his run instincts and improved conditioning make him a highly reliable option. He projects as a low ceiling, high floor running back prospect and projects as one of the top-rated backs in the 2018 class.

strengths

Instinctive and senses openings. NFL-ready vision and decision-making. Stays balanced through contact with the finishing toughness to absorb and finish through tackle attempts. Great job squaring his shoulders and getting his momentum north-south. Flashes an open-field burst with a second gear to out-race pursuit downfield (seven rushes of 30+ yards in 2017). Makes gliding cuts instead of hard stops, preventing him from having to gear down. Extensive pass protection experience and highly effective due to his effort, power and technique to mirror and body up rushers, stopping them cold.

compares to

Hall of Famer Terrell Davis, Denver Broncos. Similar to Harris, Davis wasn’t an elite athlete who was simply bigger, faster and stronger than everyone else. Hass was productive due to his running back-specific traits like his vision, balance and toughness. Those characteristics and his value as a blocker are why Harris will be held in high regard by NFL evaluators.

weaknesses

Not explosive when changing directions. Limited juice when attempting to find running room east-west. Smaller catch radius, fighting balls that weren’t thrown at his facemask – only 26 career receptions. Led Alabama in rushing yards the last two seasons, but wasn’t asked to be a workhorse, accounting for only 20.4% of the team’s total carries – never logged more than 16 carries in a collegiate game. Durability wasn’t an issue at Alabama, but fought through a nagging right ankle injury (Sept. 2016) the second half of his sophomore season – missed four games as a senior in high school due to a MCL sprain in his right knee (Oct. 2014). – Dane Brugler 12/17/2017

hungry competitor and motivated to be great (alabama assistant coach

“It’s been amazing to watch his confidence grow every day since he arrived, which has been as big a part of his development as anything.”). Only three career fumbles and none in 2017. Durable and looked like the same back regardless of quarter – rushing yards per carry in the first half (8.3) and second half (8.1). Consistent production the past two seasons as the featured running back, dominating SEC competition (averaged 8.2 yards in 17 conference games in 2016-17). Regular on punt coverages as a blocker – recorded his first career blocked punt (Sept. 2017) vs. FSU. – Dane Brugler 12/17/2017

The top-ranked running back in the nation by Rivals.com, Prepstar and the 247Composite

a five-star prospect by Rivals.com

participated in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game and Nike’s “The Opening” in 2013 and 2014

2014 All-USA first team by USA Today

2013 Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year

2014 The Courier-Journal’s All-State selection

the unanimous No. 1 player the state of Kentucky

No. 8 in the Rivals100

No. 17 on the Prepstar top 150 Dream Team

No. 36 in the ESPN300, the No. 2 running back in the nation and No. 17 player in the Southeast region

No. 47 in the Top247 and the No. 3 running back by 247Sports.com

ranked No. 31 in the 247Composite

a knee injury limited Harris to 1,474 yards and 23 touchdowns in seven games during the 2014 season

rushed for 2,621 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior in 2013

finished his high school career with the second-most touchdowns in state history (122; rushing 113) and the 11th-most rushing yards (6,748)

coached by Jon Clark at Madison Southern in Berea, Ky.

chose Alabama over Ohio State and Kentucky.

2018

2017

2016

2015