Najee Harris did not hold a press conference or release a statement about his decision for the 2020 season. While he reportedly gave the coaching staff a heads up, Harris’ only social media actions were retweets about him staying. When the deadline to dec lare for the 2020 NFL Draft came and went, it became official that the Crimson Tide’s RB1 is returning for another year at UA.

Alabama coach Nick Saban was asked about Harris’ decision during a Wednesday media opportunity at Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Alabama.

“It’s all based on how guys get ranked and rated from NFL teams,” Saban told reporters. “I give the players the information where he was slotted relative to all the other players who are coming out this year who are available. It’s a very heavy year for running backs. He made the decision that he wanted to come back, and we’re happy to have him back.”

Following the departures of Josh Jacobs and Damien Harris, Najee Harris’ workload and production increased significantly during the 2019 campaign. The former 5-star recruit logged 209 carries (up from 117 in 2018) for 1,224 rushing yards (up from 783) and 13 touchdowns (nearly doubling his prior two-year total of 7). Harris was also used more in the passing game, notching 27 receptions for 304 yards and 7 TDs.