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Michigan DC Don Brown discusses slowing Alabama RB Najee Harris, a player Michigan tried to flip in 2017
By Paul Harvey
Published:
If things had taken a different turn, Najee Harris could have wound up in a Michigan uniform.
Harris is definitely a strong player, putting up nearly 1,400 total yards this season with 18 total touchdowns. He is a game-changing back that can make men miss while also possessing the strength needed to bowl guys over. He’s also a player Michigan was after in the 2017 recruiting cycle.
Harris was a five-star recruit and the No. 1 RB in the nation for 2017. He committed early in 2015, but Michigan DC Don Brown discussed meeting Harris as a senior in high school during his Sunday press conference for the Citrus Bowl.
Brown went on to praise Harris’ jump cut abilities and his overall prowess as a tough runner:
“He’s probably the best jump cut guy I’ve seen,” Brown told the media. “You know, in meeting him, when he was a senior in high school, to see his development physically, he’s certainly taken his physicality to a different level. But the thing that I’m most impressed with is his ability to change direction and jump cut and be in the strong side ‘A’ gap, end up in the backside ‘B’ gap, or vice versa.
“So a good back, a guy that we’re going to have to tackle, for sure. You’re not going to be able to one‑arm, whip him down on the ground. He’s not one of those type of guys. He’s kind of a throwback because of his size and strength.”
With Alabama also missing star QB Tua Tagovailoa, it’s possible the Crimson Tide will try to lean on Harris and their running game even more against the Wolverines. Brown and the Wolverines will try to be ready no matter what gets thrown at them.
You can see all of Brown’s press conference comments here, courtesy of TheWolverine.com.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.