Damien Harris and a teammate were joking with each other before Harris' session with the media last week.

It ended with that teammate, outside linebacker Terrell Lewis, responding playfully to Harris, "OK, Mr. Heisman."

Harris is one of the clear leaders for this 2018 Alabama team.

The running back could have turned pro and potentially been picked in the early rounds of the NFL draft. He instead opted to return for his senior season with the Crimson Tide, a decision he elaborated on during that recent media session.

"To be honest, it wasn't that hard," Harris said. "I think that's kind of a testament to how much I appreciate being a part of this team. Guys who have been on this team, I think they could tell you the same thing. Obviously we have guys that came out early this past season and years prior. But every one of those guys, I'm sure you could ask if it was tough leaving this place and they would say yes because of this program and what we do here is so special that it's kind of hard to give up. At the end of the day, I wasn't ready to leave yet, so I'm back for another year."

It's a year that could end with Harris ranking among Alabama's all-time great running backs.

Harris could become the first running back in Tide history with three 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He also needs just 803 yards to become the eighth running back in school history with 3,000 career rushing yards.

And, though it may be tough to reach this number because of Alabama's depth at running back, Harris is 1,395 yards away from breaking the Tide's all-time career rushing record.

"I'd be lying to you if I told you I hadn't ever thought about it," Harris said. "At the end of the day, that's not what motivates me. What motivates me is being a part of this team, being a leader for this team and being the best player that I can be to help this team be successful."

Matt Zenitz is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mzenitz.