Alabama linebacker Christian Harris announces 2022 decision

Alabama linebacker Christian Harris announced via Instagram that he will forego his senior season and enter the 2022 NFL Draft. On3’s Matt Zenitz previously reported that the continued expectation has been for the former four-star recruit to turn pro this season.

“Potential first-round pick who’s viewed by scouts as a Day 2 pick at worst,” Zenitz shared on Sunday.  Christian Harris sits behind only Utah’s Devin Lloyd and Georgia’s Nakobe Dean in ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper’s position rankings for the 2022 NFL Draft.

Harris made an immediate impact at Alabama, starting all three seasons at middle linebacker. He has finished in the top five on the team in tackles with 221 over his career, adding 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception.

2021 was the most productive season yet for Harris, especially from a pass-rushing standpoint. After a 4.5-sack year in 2020, Harris posted 5.5 sacks this season with two forced fumbles while playing beside Tennessee transfer Henry To’o To’o.

The 6-foot-2, 244-pound linebacker was a top-150 prospect coming out of high school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He chose Alabama over LSU, Texas A&M and two dozen other Division-I programs.

Alabama retains starting linebacker

Alabama linebacker Henry To’o To’o just made a big announcement, where he revealed his intentions for the 2022 season. Instead of entering the NFL Draft, To’o To’o will return to Alabama for another season, the rising senior announced last Friday.

To’o To’o racked up a team-leading 112 tackles this season, adding four sacks, one forced fumble and two passes defended. This season was his first in Tuscaloosa after he transferred in after two years at Tennessee.

“For the last year I’ve been blessed to play football at the University of Alabama,” To’o To’o said. “God put me in a place that has welcomed me with open arms and Alabama is my home now. This place has helped me to grow as a player and as a man and has introduced me to a group of teammates that will be my brothers for life.

“I loved my experience this past season but things didn’t end how any of us wanted. We didn’t achieve our ultimate goal, and I can’t leave my brothers now knowing that we have unfinished business to attend to. Let’s get to work in 2022.”

His return also proves more important with the departure of Christian Harris to the NFL and reserves Jaylen Moody and Shane Lee to the transfer portal.