Green Bay Packers backfield competition heating up
Oct 15, 2013; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns running back Alonzo Harris (46) rushes against Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Arius Wright (21) and defensive back
Cam Thomas(19) during the second half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Louisiana-Lafayette won 37-20. Mandatory Credit:
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Alonzo Harris – 6’1″, 237 pounds
Preseason Week 1
7 rushes, 41 yards, 1 TD
1 reception, 7 yards
The dark horse in this race comes in the form of Alonzo Harris. No, not Denzel Washington’s character from Training Day, the undrafted Louisiana-Lafayette running back who broke a 25-gard touchdown run in the Packers preseason opener.
While his listing of 6’1″, 237 pounds looks imposing on the stat sheet, I feel he still has room to add bulk if the Packers would like. Perhaps that’s something that could be accomplished with a season on the practice squad, developing into a true thumper. The power run was Harris’ specialty with the Ragin’ Cajuns, where he rushed for 44 touchdowns across his four year career, average 4.7 yards-per-carry.
You won’t see a dynamic receiving game out of Harris, as he profiles better inside the tackles. He did show some speed on his long touchdown run, however, breaking his run out wide left before racing down the sideline. He was given a great deal of help by some circus-music play in the Patriots’ secondary, so take that for what it’s worth.
Harris faces an uphill battle at this point, but again, he offers the Packers a different style of running back. One that could excel in the cold-weather games at Lambeau field later in the season. His marching orders for the remaining preseason games will be to protect the football and plod forward. A strong showing could keep him in the organization, if nothing else.
Next: 2015 Packers Projections: RB Eddie Lacy
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