Film Watched: Auburn 2021, Clemson 2021, Kentucky 2021
Pro's:
Big, stocky ball carrier with a nasty streak
Brutal through contact – challenges the will of tacklers each and every carry
Big, powerful legs that drive through contact and maximise yardage
Incredibly dainty feet for a bigger back, dancing through the line of scrimmage
Understands blocking concepts and works them to his advantage with well timed cutbacks
Demonstrates good speed when the field opens up for him
Excellent ball security. Just one fumble in his collegiate career
Creative in the backfield when a play fails to develop as expected
Con's:
Breakout season in 2020 but regressed in 2021, sharing carries with Quan White
Significant injury that forced him to have back surgery ahead of last year
Lack of concern for his own welfare – durability worries at the next level
Gears down when changing direction
Offers little in the passing game; just twelve catches out of the backfield this past year
Barely used as an extra blocker despite his tenacity and stout frame
The Verdict:
“Have we seen the best of Kevin Harris already? A terrifying prospect to tackle, Harris looked set to take the SEC by storm after a huge 2020, before offseason surgery saw the trajectory of his career change somewhat. Whilst the workload was shared in 2021 and he failed to put up the numbers that turned heads the year before, Harris still offers a skillset that NFL teams will have use for. Comfortable in both gap and zone schemes, the former Gamecock is ideally suited to come into a running back room and fight for gametime - although the lack of value on passing downs does negate this somewhat. An unfinished product and you’re not sure how many years he can give you, but he’ll get some attention as a late day three pick or UDFA signing.”
PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN COVERING COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE NFL DRAFT SINCE 2009. BASED IN MANCHESTER, SIMON IS ALSO CO-CREATOR & WEEKLY GUEST OF THE COLLAPSING POCKET PODCAST.