Najee Harris’ ‘Superman’ leap in College Football Playoff semi-final stuns sporting world

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris has stunned fans with a “Superman” leap in the College Football Playoff semi-final.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Running back Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide leaps cornerback Nick McCloud #4 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first quarter of the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris has stunned college football fans with a “Superman” leap against Notre Dame on Saturday AEDT.

During the College Football Playoff semi-final in Texas, Harris casually hurdled six-foot cornerback Nick McCloud before sprinting through for a 53-yard gain.

Alabama quarterback Mac Jones then threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jahleel Billingsley, completing a stunning sequence of events at AT&T Stadium.

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Harris’ leap inevitably sent social media into a frenzy, even prompting reaction from Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson.

“Najee Harris’ leap over the Notre Dame defender was the best play I’ve ever seen because that’s the first time I’ve seen a player jump over a defender standing straight up!” Johnson tweeted.

THIS NAJEE HARRIS HURDLE 😱

(via @SportsCenter)pic.twitter.com/akM96oHzff

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) January 1, 2021

Najee Harris, BEST RB in college football and it’s not even close‼️

— Damien Harris (@DHx34) January 1, 2021

Oh. My. Najee Harris!!!! 👀 You jumping over whole humans!! 😂 @AlabamaFTBL #WHERELEGENDSAREMADE 🌹 #RoseBowl

— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) January 1, 2021

Najee Harris just went full Superman on this play. 6’2” 230lbs. Wow. pic.twitter.com/0klTElNFfJ

— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) January 1, 2021

No. 1 seeded Alabama eventually won the annual Rose Bowl event 31-14, continuing its undefeated 2020/21 season to reach a fifth CFP title game in seven years.

Jones completed 25 of 30 passes for 297 yards, while Harris ran 125 yards. Meanwhile, teammate DeVonta Smith finished with seven catches for 130 yards, including three touchdowns.

Notre Dame has now lost seven consecutive New Year’s games since 2000, much to the frustration of coach Brian Kelly.

“This wasn’t a matter of getting knocked off the ball or not having enough players to compete against Alabama,” Kelly said. “This was about making plays. They made plays on the perimeter. They have the college football player of the year (Smith), who made some dynamic plays. We battled, we were right there.

“We’re gonna keep getting back here, and I’m sorry if you don’t like it, or if the national media doesn’t like it, but we’re gonna go back to work. We’re gonna keep recruiting and we’re gonna put ourselves back in this position again.”

Running back Najee Harris of the Alabama Crimson Tide leaps cornerback Nick McCloud of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

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Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book completed 27 of 39 passes for 229 yards and an interception, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a heavy defeat.

The Rose Bowl is traditionally held in Pasadena, California, but due to coronavirus restrictions was moved to Arlington in front of 18,373 spectators.

Later that day, the Ohio State Buckeyes trumped the Clemson Tigers 49-28 in New Orleans to book the other spot in next week’s decider.

The Crimson Tide will face Ohio State on Monday, January 11th for the title.