TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Najee Harris has been a presence in Alabama's backfield since he arrived as one of the nation's top recruits.

He just hasn't been the leading man.

Harris had to wait his turn behind Damien Harris and eventual first-round NFL draft pick Josh Jacobs the past two seasons before becoming the Crimson Tide's primary tailback. He'll carry that role into this season, when the second-ranked Tide opens against Duke in Atlanta on Aug. 31.