Jumbo Package: Damien Harris could quietly become Alabama’s all-time leading rusher in 2018

It’s the 5th day of Practice and Nick Saban already doesn’t have time for your quarterback questions.

But, the glass-half-full of the injury to Tua Tagovailoa is two-fold: 1. Mac Jones gets some significant snaps (and, as I consistently tell you, don’t sleep on this guy. He’s a really good quarterback), and 2. Jalen Hurts progress can be evaluated on its own merits rather than compared to a championship hero. Is that a way to determine the depth chart? Of course not, but maybe a step back and a few deep breaths would do everyone some good.

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I love this piece from BOL’s Travis Reier, his Top 5 of the best quarterbacks Alabama faces in 2018. I don’t necessarily agree with the order, but it’s really well-done.

Here’s an excerpt based on his No. 4 (Ole Miss’ Jordan Ta’amu)

Area where Alabama will need to be effective: The Rebels welcomed highly-regarded quarterback recruit Matt Corral to the fold this spring, but Ta’amu figures to be the guy when the fall rolls around. First and foremost, a UA defense undergoing a complete overhaul in the secondary will have to concern itself with Ole Miss wide receivers A.J. Brown, D.K. Metcalf and DaMarkus Lodge. Between them, the trio accounted for 2,596 receiving yards and 25 touchdown receptions in 2017. None of the three averaged less than 16.5 yards per grab a season ago.

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Hard to believe this, but Damien Harris could actually become the Tide’s all-time leading rusher by season’s end. And, in this offense, he doesn’t even need an improbable season — this could pretty easily happen.

Can Harris surpass Henry for the all-time career rushing record?

It’s not out of the question, but it will take an outstanding season of 1,397 yards (that would rank fifth in all-time single-season Tide rushing) to equal Henry’s record.

Harris has rushed for 1,000 yards each of the past two season, exactly 1,000 last year when he was splitting time with Bo Scarbrough, who had 596. And, of course, Harris also shared rushing opportunities with quarterback Jalen Hurts, who had more carries than Harris (154-135) and with the man who is expected to get plenty of carries this year as a sophomore, Najee Harris (61 carries for 370 yards).

DHx34 is one of my favorite players...maybe ever. High quality on the field, excellent student, and an even better person. Get that man a honey bun at the ready.

As for his decision to bypass the NFL, which already had a deep class of backs? It was a no-brainer for Harris.

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Here’s a really nice podcast from Tide 102.9, Across the Diamond, featuring baseball and softball. This week includes:

• Slow starts in Alabama baseball’s recent losses.
• Importance of the MAX Capital City Classic in promoting college baseball within the state of Alabama.
• The improved performance of Courtney Gettins from the circle.
• The value that Alabama softball places on defending Rhoads Stadium in SEC play
• Progress report for softball and baseball teams around Alabama

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In the hardtack world of SEC negative recruiting, I can’t imagine that this won’t come up in living rooms across the South.

Pervy ‘Dawgs:

An assistant equipment manager at Georgia is facing four felony charges and one misdemeanor for, among other charges, allegedly placing a hidden camera in the Bulldogs’ locker room shower.

Kevin Purvis, 37, was arrested and booked into Athens-Clarke County jail on Friday night and charged with three counts of felony eavesdropping or surveillance, one felony possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor charge of possession of less that 1 ounce of marijuana, according to records. He remains in custody on $16,000 bond, according to the Athens Clarke-County Sheriff’s office.

“Ms. Jones, I can assure you that we don’t hire no dadgum illicit meat-gazers to work in the House that Bear Built. Roll Tide.”

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Tomorrow, OWB is dropping our outside linebacker piece. As sort of a teaser, do you want to know what group is positively giddy about the promotion of Tosh Lupoi?

Yup, that would be Terrell Lewis and his fellow pass-rushing monsters at OLB.

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Baker Mayfield is just the latest highly mobile, super fun, strong-armed, undersized mouthy quarterback to try and make his way to the NFL, but by no means the first. His spiritual forebear, Johnny Manziel, fresh off of rehab, married and far more mature, looks to again make his way onto an NFL roster. I’m not sure what you think of JFF, but I’m pulling for him at least. He is a helluva lot of fun and can sell tickets.

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Great story here on Dan Enos from Al.com. I want to be completely honest with you, and then make a prediction: If I had known Enos was going to be available, I would have preferred him for the offensive coordinator spot. And, now, the prediction: If the offense sputters, absolutely expect him to be moved to Locksley’s spot — and that may happen next year, no matter. Enos calls a beautiful, balanced game, is high-energy guy, a great teacher and is close to his players. He seems much more like a “Saban guy.”

“He brings a lot of fire and a lot of juice,” Pierschbacher said. “I’m not around him too much, but I hear him.”

It’s a reputation Enos brought to Alabama from his last job. The offensive coordinator at Arkansas the last three seasons was known for his intensity while maintaining strong relationships with his players.

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Finally, in case it slipped through the cracks the last few days, this time Ar’Mond Davis really is transferring. The bench wing just never got it together enough to contribute to a Tide offense that could have used some perimeter production. Hell, Davis (a senior) never even saw the court in 2018. Best of luck, Ar’Mond.