Here is why numbers aren't really comparable. Alexander was supposed to be the wingback until his Senior year. Jason Colemire was a very, very good running back who got the vast majority of the carriers in Alexander's Sophomore year and heading into his Jr. Once Colemire got hurt, Alexander shifted over to the feature back in the I and took off.

 

I mentioned earlier that Harris wins on measurables. Shaun had things that don't show up so well at camps. Incredible vision, the patience to set up blocks and incredible explosiveness to hit the hole. Watch his freshman run against LSU for 60+ yards. That's how he ran in high school and how he ran for the Seahawks.

I thought that Colemire got hurt in SA's soph year?

4 star, but All USA Today 1st team RB? Someone wasn't right.

USA Today All-USA high school football team (1990?99) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

By the way, that 1994 team was unreal. Randy Moss, Alexander, Ahmad Green, Charles Woodson Takeo Spikes, Kevin Faulk. Those are good NFL careers right there.

 

I really think that rating recruits by the number of stars is more recent and doubt that extends back to Sonny Collins.

 

Looking at that USA Today list there is another KY RB, who no one has mentioned - Tony Driver from Male.

I think I read that Alexander took over as feature back in his Soph year not sometime in his Junior season. Any kid that rushes for 6000 yards in high school I'd argue has great vision, sets up his blocks and hits the hole explosively. Alexander is one of the All-Time Great no question about it!

 

I understand you sticking by the NKY player...there is no way to settle this discussion.

 

If Harris goes on to an All-Pro Career, it doesn't make what he did in High School any better.

 

Not sticking w/ Alexander b/c he is from NKY. I have no clue who is better. I've never seen Harris play. I am just arguing that #s don't make Harris better than Alexander. Alexander played against CovCath at the height of their powers, solid Trinity teams, Campbell County's best team of the last 40 years, Elder, just against a lot of good, big schools. His yards were tougher to come by. Harris seems faster and definitely stronger at this age. We shall see.

Mark Higgs was the best I saw - I think he was hurt for his sophomore year maybe...long time ago but a GREAT RB.

I remember the opening kick off of SA's Senior year at CCH, when CCH Coach Ray wanted to set the tone for the game by not being scared of Alexander and kicked it to him.....well a few seconds later CCH was trailing 7-0.

I agree with Alexander and Al Baker, Eric Shelton and one of the best I ever saw that I believe got injured his senior year was Travis Elliott from Ryle. He was big, fast and strong. Had another gear. Don't think he did much at WKU but was amazing to watch in high school. But if I am picking the best I will go with Alexander. I have saw Harris play quite a bit in his career and he is special, does not have all the talent around him but can bring home the bacon. Good conversations but no comparisons will matter, both I think are and were great for KY football

Yeah when it comes down to it between Harris or Alexander I will go with either or both....

How good was Alexander? ND arranged a band scholarship for his brother, who was a year older, in an attempt to get him to South Bend. I've never seen a better RB in KY and doubt I will...

Damien Harris is the son of Mayfield's William Murrell. William is one of Mayfield' all time best backs and was all OVC at EKY and played in the European NFL.

Paul hornug, NFL hall of fame.

Damien Harris is the son of Mayfield's William Murrell. William is one of Mayfield' all time best backs and was all OVC at EKY and played in the European NFL.

 

He played on a couple of those Mayfield teams that tangled with Danville if I recall.

Paul hornug, NFL hall of fame.

 

As was mentioned earlier, the Golden Boy was a QB in HS and at Notre Dame. Lombardi and the Packers made him into a RB.

Best RB's I've played or coached against.

 

1. Mark Higgs- Owensboro

2. AL Baker Trigg

3. Artose Pinner- Hoptown

4. Joey Casey- Paducah

5. Henry Allen- Fort Campbell

6. Thomas - Paducah early 80's

If you are talking HS alone, like the post said, Joe Casey hands down.

Pinner was 25 years old.

Baker was good, but did not play a schedule like some of the others.

Many of the older generation claim Sonny Collins.

I have seen in person Casey and Harris, as well as played against Baker.

They are all great running backs, but only Casey was a USA Today first-team All-American.

Joe Casey had break-away speed, but could also straight up run you and your teammate over if needed.

When a second RB from KY brings home the NFL MVP trophy get back to me... :banana: