Alabama running back Najee Harris will not play at Reese’s Senior Bowl on Saturday, executive director Jim Nagy told AL.com on Thursday.
Harris, a first-team All-American in 2020, has been dealing with an ankle injury since the start of the Crimson Tide national championship game victory over Ohio State on January 11. He trained with the National Senior Bowl team on Tuesday and Wednesday in Mobile, but missed training on Thursday during ankle treatment and is “hurt” to play on Saturday, Nagy said.
RELATED: Mac Jones Turning Heads in the Senior Bowl with Competitiveness and Precision
The 1.80 meter, 110 pound Harris received widespread praise from Nagy and other observers for appearing on Mobile and participating in as many activities of the week as he did. ESPN’s Todd McShay ranks Harris as his No. 1 running back for the 2021 draft, ahead of Travis Etienne de Clemson (who declined an invitation to the Senior Bowl).
“The fact that he is right here on pillows tells you everything you need to know about Harris.” McShay said, via 247 Sports. “I’ve said that before. His ankle was a grapefruit coming out of that national championship game. Jim Nagy basically had to say to him, ‘Listen, there is no pressure. You don’t have to play. Just show up, interview and do what you want. ‘And he said,’ No, no, you are not talking to my agent now. Are you talking to me. And I’m telling you that I’m going to show up and do whatever I can physically do. ‘And he has done it so far. And that is why, in my opinion, he is the first running back, even with Travis Etienne, who is also a great player. Both guys may end up going in the first round. “
Alabama national team running back Najee Harris (22) trains for Reese’s Senior Bowl on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama (Mike Kittrell / AL.com)
Harris ran for a record 3,843 yards in Alabama and 46 touchdowns during his career, including 1,466 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2020. His total 30 touchdowns last season – including four receipts – were also a Crimson Tide record.
Harris joins Alabama teammates DeVonta Smith (finger) and pivot Landon Dickerson (knee) among players who are on Mobile this weekend, but will not play in Saturday’s game. Quarterback Mac Jones, forwards Alex Leatherwood and Deonte Brown and long-snapper Thomas Fletcher are expected at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl, which starts at 1:30 pm on Saturday at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile.