Mike Tomlin compliments Najee Harris on competitiveness

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has been impressed with what he’s seen from his rookie running back Najee Harris, specifically the Alabama product’s competitiveness.

“You guys have seen us work enough that you know what that looks like,” Tomlin said. “You never have to look for No. 22 (Najee Harris) in competition periods. Not only does he seek reps, but he seeks the most competitive reps, and that’s what you’re looking for, guys that run toward the competition.”

Competitiveness is a value the Steelers desire and Harris knows plenty about competition from his time at Alabama.

Despite enrolling at Alabama in 2017 as a five-star and the top running back in his recruiting class, Najee Harris had to fight for touches against Bo Scarbrough, Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs. Harris had just 370 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman. Over the next three seasons, Najee Harris would total 3,473 rushing yards, good for 3,843 career rushing yards to rank atop the Alabama all-time list. Harris also finished with 4,624 all-purpose yards for his career, good for second all-time in Alabama’s storied history.

Through three weeks of preseason, Harris has had some flashes, even in limited reps, showing why the Steelers picked him in the first round.

Against the Lions in week two of the preseason, Harris had a 46-yard catch-and-run, showing off his hands and run after the catch ability. Harris has been limited in his touches on the ground through three games, likely to keep his legs fresh for the regular season, where he will be relied upon as a three-down back.

The Steelers enter the season looking to Harris as a major contributor for the offense that is looking for a go-to running back. Beyond Harris, the offense will feature quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, receivers Juju Smith-Schuster, Chase Claypool and tight end Eric Ebron.

The Steelers hope Harris will provide them just enough firepower to get the points they need, while the defense, expected to be one of the top units in the league, will be the backbone this season.

Najee Harris’ background

Growing up, Harris spent time in homeless shelters. He returned to a Bay Area homeless shelter he spent time at for his draft party earlier this year, bringing along a donation of food for the shelter. He continues to advocate for the homeless community.

Harris went on to star at Antioch High School, where he finished his career with 7,948 career rushing yards, the fourth-most in California high school football history. He signed to Alabama over the likes of Michigan, Ohio State, UCLA and Texas.