Najee Harris took exception to suggestion that it was easy to produce on Ohio State's defense: 'It was not easy. I am hurting'
Najee Harris had a big game against Ohio State in Alabama’s 52-24 win over the Buckeyes in the national championship game but it certainly didn’t come easy.
At least, that’s the way the Crimson Tide running back tells it.
Harris had 22 carries for 79 yards and two scores on the ground (he also added seven catches for 79 yards and another touchdown) but his longest rush of the day went for just 13 yards.
That’s a credit to Ohio State’s defense, which had issues on the backend but presented a tough and physical challenge against Alabama’s outstanding offensive line on Monday night.
Following the game, Harris was asked, “How were you able to expose those holes so effortlessly?” by a reporter in the postgame press conference.
“Effortlessly? You didn’t see what they was doing? They was blowing my ass up, what you talking about? It wasn’t effortlessly, I’ll tell you what,” Harris responded. “They did they thing, bro, to be honest with you.
“What they did is every time we did a play action, they just shot the gaps, shot the gaps. The linebackers, we got a couple of them to play a lot of fakes, that’s why we’re able to throw so much bubbles and slants and all that. But Bro, they was blowing my ass out, you trippin’, it was not easy. I am hurting.”
Here is a video of Harris’ reaction to that question.
“Effortlessly? You didn't see what they was doing? They was blowing my ass up, what you talking about?”
This answer from Najee Harris 😂 pic.twitter.com/ORxLFvepsL
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 12, 2021
{laugh}
Najee ain’t lying. They couldn’t stop him entirely but I haven’t seen another team this season keep him contained as well as OSU.
This is why players play, and observers observe.
yeah that reporter must not have watched the game. They had their hands on him every play and he drug 2 or more several plays. Almost every play was a heck of an effort. Looked like they had him several times and he drug them another 3 yards… Hes a great back. Cant wait to see what he does in the no fun league.
Prior to the game I felt that Najee’s run-yards-total would be lower than normal since OSU pretty much stuffed Etienne(Clemson) in that game.
Just more evidence of the decline of sports (all) journalism! Good for MR. Harris to speak the truth – you know that meant a lot to the OSU defense guys to hear that! They absolutely dominated the Tigers and held Bama pretty good. It’s just a tribute to MR. Jones to recognize and make the plays he did.
Najee, you’re the MAN!!! That was incredibly funny and honest! Reporter obviously NEVER played!!!!
Nice answer, Najee Harris.
Humble? Check.
Credit the other team? Check.
Credit your own team? Check.
Politely show the question’s absurd premise? Check!
What would have been REALLY fun is seeing Nick Saban answer this same question from the podium!