At 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, J.D. Harris wasn’t sure he was ready to take on much bigger players as part of Northern Illinois’ punt return team.
But after getting a taste of the action for the first time at the collegiate level, Harris’ fears were eased. Now, after playing in the past two games for the Huskies, the freshman from Columbus North is preparing for Tuesday’s Boca Raton Bowl against UAB.
“At first, I was a little nervous to get in there, but after the first play, I realized I’m still playing football,” Harris said. “Coming from being the returner to blocking for the returner and blocking a 220-pound linebacker at first, that’s what made me a little nervous, but it’s something I realized I could do. I just had to make sure I stayed calm in the situations.”
Harris didn’t play in NIU’s first 11 games this season. He then got in on the punt return team in a 28-21 loss at Western Michigan to close the regular season.
In the Mid-American Conference championship game, Harris helped the Huskies to a 30-29 win against Buffalo.
“It was a surreal feeling, especially being a freshman,” Harris said. “It felt really good to make that happen for the seniors.”
An All-State defensive back for the Bull Dogs last season, Harris is hoping to earn a spot at cornerback for NIU next year. The Huskies currently play three seniors, a freshman and a redshirt-freshman at corner.
Defensive backs coach Melvin Rice said Harris can compete for a starting corner spot next year.
“He’s done a good job coming in here right now,” Rice said. “He came in as a freshman, and I told him his job was to learn everything and be ready every day. He’s improved footwork wise, and he has tremendous ball skills. When we go into the spring, both (cornerback) spots will be open, no matter who played last year. We play about four corners each game, so he needs to be ready to compete next year.”
Rice said Harris also could be in the mix to be the team’s punt returner next season.
“Our receivers coach (Steve Crutchley) is also the punt return coach, and he says he’s one of the best he’s ever seen,” Rice said. “He rarely drops a punt. Since fall camp, he’s probably dropped two balls. He’s getting some valuable experience playing special teams, and we’re looking for some good things in the future.”
The NCAA instituted a new rule this year that players can play in up to four games and still receive a redshirt year. Tuesday’s game will be Harris’ third this season, so he still will have four years of eligibility remaining.
Harris said he has learned a lot as a freshman, especially with his technique and footwork. He also had to learn new coverage schemes.
“I can’t wait to get to the offseason so I can put in the extra work and earn a spot and play next year at corner and punt returner,” Harris said. “I can’t wait to get bigger, faster, stronger. I’m excited.”
He’s also excited about playing in his first bowl game.
“I can’t wait,” Harris said. “It’s another championship game for us. UAB won their conference, and we won our conference, so both conferences will be watching, and hopefully, we’ll come out on top.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”J.D. Harris” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Name: J.D. Harris
High school: Columbus North
College: Northern Illinois
Year: Freshman
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 165
Position: Defensive back
[sc:pullout-text-end]
