This is a preview from our Rookie Guide. Get yours today.
TJ Harden
Bio
- Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
- School: SMU
- Year: Senior
Measurables
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 232
Scouting Report
TJ Harden left high school in Inglewood, CA, as a three-star recruit. He started his collegiate career close to home, at UCLA, where eye-popping efficiency as a freshman turned into a featured role as a sophomore and junior. He transferred to SMU for his senior season, immediately leading the Mustangs in rushing and scrimmage yards as well as touchdowns. Despite his early breakout in 2023, Harden's production has been stagnant since, recording between 874 and 969 scrimmage yards in his last three seasons.
Harden is an imposing downhill runner at roughly 6-2, 220 pounds. He runs with purpose and physicality, consistently attacking interior lanes and finishing through contact. His vision is more reactive than anticipatory. He can be late to identify creases, often forcing him to compensate with a quick burst. His long speed is average, yet his short-area explosion allows him to punch through holes and stress second-level defenders. Harden lacks the lateral agility to make defenders miss in space consistently and instead prefers to run through contact rather than around it.
Rundown
Harden is a physical downhill runner who makes up for his lack of lateral agility by aggressively attacking the line of scrimmage and generating yards after contact.
Player Comp
BenJarvis Green-Ellis
NFL Range of Outcomes
Practice Squad to Average Starter
For more information on TJ Harden and the rest of the 2026 rookie class, get our Rookie Guide today! And come back to this page after the NFL Combine and NFL Draft for updated information!
Follow @DaveKluge Follow @4whomjbelltolls Follow @ffmikekash Follow @Footballguys
