Draft Zone Prospect: Mark Harrison, WR, Rutgers
Mark Harrison reminds me of Terrell Owens, maybe it is because the young wide receiver is built like a horse, and can catch, but Harrison is hungrier than ever. The Rutgers star wide out is ready to shine and get his moment. Expect Harrison to turn heads after his pro day, because of the young man’s ability to find the ball. Harrison has been going up against Brandon “Juice” Jones all season which will definitely make you a better player. Harrison is ready to make an impact and wants you to know more about him. Check out this interview and make sure you follow the stud himself.
Q: How many colleges were recruiting you coming out of high school and how did you make your decision?
A: There were 8 schools recruiting me out of high school. I made my decision to sign with Rutgers based on its location and the feeling of family among the players and coaches.
Q: Has it always been your dream to be an NFL football player?
A: I didn’t play football as a young child, but ever since I started playing in high school, it’s always been my dream to play in the NFL someday.
Q: Who was your favorite NFL team growing up and did you have a player you rooted for?
A: Growing up, my favorite NFL team was the Philadelphia Eagles. I rooted for Terrell Owens.
Q: At your position, how do you break down film? Please inform our readers what you look for when breaking down film.
A: I start off by seeing who the best coverage guy is. I break down each specific coverage they run. Then, I start breaking down boundary corners and boundary safeties as well as field corners and field safeties. I see what they are good at, what their strengths are, and how they adjust to certain routes I run. I look at particular offenses that run similar offensive schemes and use that as a tool to either gain an advantage or change the way I run a certain route. I also look at their weaknesses to see what they struggle with as a defense.
Q: What is the best accolade/award you have ever received from playing football?
A: The best award I ever received was my sophomore year when I was named Offensive MVP.
Q: Now that your college football eligibility is up, what is your next move?
A: My next moves are to start training for the NFL draft process and to continue my career as a football player.
Q: When did you really feel you had a good chance of making your dream come true?
A: I felt like I had a good chance of making my dream come true when I was a junior in high school. That was when I sat down with Coach Greg Schiano and he told me that I have potential to play at the next level if I put my mind to it and work hard the next four years with him.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: My favorite food is steak
Q: Do you have any pre game rituals?
A: I watch Ray Lewis’ highlight tape because it gives me that extra drive when I see the passion that he plays with and the fire in his eyes as he carries his team out of the tunnel.
Q: What would you tell NFL teams that are weary of taking a late-round flyer on you?
A: I would say that I deserve to be a first round pick because I feel like I have the same skill level and work ethic of a first round pick.
Q: If you could compare your play to someone in the NFL, who would it be?
A: I would compare my play on the field to Terrell Owens. I have the same physical build. I also have the speed to beat corners down field and compete for high balls as he does.
Q: Who has had your back through the good and the bad as you’ve moved on balancing life as a student-athlete?
A: No matter what I do in life, my mother always has my back. She’s always pushed me to reach my highest potential. She’s my number one fan and she’s always been proud of me for accomplishments that I’ve made on and off the field and she has supported me through the worst of times.
Q: What’s your plan if you go undrafted?
A: If I go undrafted, my plan is to get picked up as a free agent and to work my way to a certain position as receiver or special teams player, wherever I can make my mark and help my team win a Super Bowl.
Q: Everyone asks this question, but I’m curious to know what will you buy first with your first NFL paycheck?
A: I wouldn’t necessarily buy anything for myself. My first priority would be to put my money towards anything my son would need and anything my girlfriend would need to help her out while she is in school.
Q: Finish this sentence for me, come July 2013 I will…..
A: Be playing receiver for an NFL team.
We would like to thank Mark for a wonderful interview. If you would like to follow Mark on twitter you can do so by just following @bronco81RU.
