The Story Behind Najee Harris Hurdles at Alabama Began in High School

If youve watched any Alabama football the last few years youve seen Najee Harris hurdle defenders like theyre traffic cones. Its become his signature move. Dude just launches over tacklers like its nothing.

But that didnt start at Alabama. It goes back to high school at Antioch in California.

Harris actually ran track in high school. Did hurdles competitively. Which explains why his form is so clean when he does it on the football field. Most running backs who try hurdling look awkward and out of control. Najee looks like hes done it ten thousand times. Because he basically has.

His track background also shows in his acceleration and his ability to change direction without losing speed. The footwork transfers directly. Coaches love athletes who can bring skills from other sports because they see the game differently.

What makes Harris special though isnt just the athletic ability. Its the decision making. He knows when to hurdle and when not to. Lots of guys try it at the wrong time and get absolutely destroyed. Najee seems to have a sixth sense for when a defender is too low to adjust.

NFL scouts have been watching and the hurdle highlights are just icing on the cake. His vision patience and ability to break tackles after contact are what will make him a first round pick.

The dude is 6’2″ 230 pounds and moves like hes a hundred pounds lighter. That combination is rare. Add in the hurdle ability and youve got a highlight machine who also happens to be a complete back.

Alabama fans have been spoiled with great running backs but Najee might be the most fun to watch purely from an entertainment standpoint. Every carry could turn into something ridiculous.

The Steelers drafted him and I genuinely feel bad for AFC North defenders. Good luck tackling a guy who might just jump clean over you.