1 week Ago
Former Alabama head coach believes new Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson compares to Najee Harris . Saban, who coached Harris at Alabama during a stint that led to him being a first-round pick by the Steelers in 2021, sees the similarities in size and speed between Johnson and Harris. “They lost Najee Harris, the Steelers, and to me, this guy is that type of player,” Saban said.
“He’s really a downhill runner. He’s got great size. He’s a great zone runner to stretch, put his foot in the ground, hit a crease, and go.
So, I think this guy’s a really good fit for the Steelers.” The Steelers lost Harris to the Los Angeles Chargers in the offseason. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith says Johnson will help replace the carries that Harris left behind.
“Let’s leave it at 500 carries to divvy up. That’s kind of where you’re at. Then obviously losing Naj (Harris), Naj for four years here, he was very durable, and that’s a lot of missing carries.
Then obviously we got some carries, especially early on of Justin (Fields). So it’s just a really good fit. Guys will roll, and there’s a lot of good group of guys we have in that running back room.
We’re obviously excited,” Smith said. Johnson ran just a 4.58 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, but is the most natural zone runner in the NFL Draft.
That makes him a favorite of Smith and the Steelers, and he should be a natural fit in the Steelers’ scheme. He had a massive 2024 season, racking up 1537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. That earned him an All-Big 10 selection and All-American honors as one of the best running backs in college football.
Johnson does not have that much mileage on his legs, either, having just 540 rushes in three years with the Hawkeyes..
