Damien Harris to Alabama: Crimson Tide Land 5-Star RB Prospect

Damien Harris has made the fans in Tuscaloosa very happy by announcing that he will attend Alabama next fall, according to ESPN's Jeremy Crabtree:

Harris is the nation's No. 2 running back recruit in the class of 2015, per 247Sports' composite ratings. A native of Berea, Kentucky, and attending Madison Southern High School, he has been narrowing down his list of potential schools rapidly.

He tweeted the final five programs that filled out his list on Aug. 1:

Not surprisingly, the list included traditional SEC powers like Alabama, Florida and Texas A&M. Harris also showed some love to his home state by giving Kentucky a serious look, which was surprising simply because of the school's struggles breaking into the upper echelon of the SEC.

However, Harris actually talked about the challenges of trying to build a legacy with an overlooked program instead of being just another cog in the machine, per Larry Vaught of The Advocate Messenger: "Everybody’s goal is to play for the national championship someday, but you just kind of have to compare that with your desire to want to rebuild something or already go to an established program. Kentucky has to get to where it wins more games and gets to bowl games."

That's a tremendous mindset for a young player to have. In an era where everyone is so consumed by being on the biggest stages, why not try to make your mark at a place close to home?

Plus, we've seen in the last few years plenty of SEC programs turn things around in a hurry. Texas A&M and Missouri have had success in their first few years as members of the conference, while Mississippi and Mississippi State were in the title conversation at various points in 2014. 

Whatever the future holds for Harris, you can see how his talent is viewed across the country. The teams on his list don't hand out scholarships to just anyone, so this is a special player who can be a difference maker very soon.

According to 247Sports' composite system, the 5-star back is the 31st-ranked prospect overall in the 2015 recruiting class. He ran for 2,621 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior in 2013 and found the end zone 88 times in his first three years.

Boasting elite speed in the 4.4-second range in the 40-yard dash with good size at 5'11", 205 pounds, Harris is a true game-changing talent with the ability to see the field. He's a dynamic athlete who will get even stronger as his body fills out, making him a force out of the backfield for his new school.

The running back position still carries tremendous value at the college level. Harris is the next great rusher and could be a factor right away as a freshman if he's given the opportunity.