Damien Harris plans to treat his offensive line after stellar performance
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — It’s time for Damien Harris to pay up.
Fresh off a career-best performance against Vanderbilt, the Alabama running back was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week on Monday. Harris led Alabama with a career-high 151 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries during the Crimson Tide’s 59-0 victory over the Commodores.
Now that he’s had his time in the spotlight, Harris wants to make sure he gives a little something back to the people who created his open running lanes over the weekend.
“Those guys did a great job all game, the O-Line,” Harris said. “They really set the tempo of the game. They moved the line of scrimmage. They moved people in the run game. They protected the quarterbacks inside out. So, we kind of have to give them credit for our success on offense because without them obviously, we don’t have that same success.”
Alabama rushed for a season-high 496 yards, the most it has recorded in the Nick Saban era. That came as part of a 677-yard game that saw the Tide rack up a school-record 38 first downs.
Following the game, Harris said he’d thank his line by doing something special for them this week. Not knowing the best way to give thanks, the junior running back said he was opened for suggestions from members of the line.
Monday, he got his response.
“What’s the most expensive place in Tuscaloosa?” Alabama offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher jokingly asked. “Take us out to Chucks or DePalma's or something. No, I don’t know. He hasn’t mentioned anything to us yet, but we will gladly accept his offer.”
Pierschbacher, who was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week, then playfully ambushed Harris across the media room reminding the star running of his promise. Harris said Pierschbacher is the first offensive lineman he’s had the chance to talk to since returning back to Tuscaloosa following the game. While the star back still isn’t exactly sure where he’s going to take the unit, he promises to stay true to his word.
“I’ll get with those guys and see what they want to do," Harris said. "We can do a little dinner somewhere or whatever they want to do.”
Read: What Jalen Hurts bought Alabama's offensive linemen for dinner
Last month, quarterback Jalen Hurts took treated the offensive line to dinner at Baumhower’s Victory Grille, a local sports-themed restaurant. That meal came during the preseason before Alabama had played any games. By the sound of it, Saturday’s performance will be worth a little bit more.
Either way, Harris says he’s gladly willing to pay up.
“I don’t really think I have a choice,” he said with a smile.