DaJohn Harris

Harris was a highly-recruited five-star defensive line/tight end prospect, choosing USC over Michigan, Nebraska and Miami. After redshirting in 2007, he saw action as a reserve defensive tackle and tight end in 2008 as a redshirt freshman, recording one tackle, 0.5 tackles for loss and a 0.5 sack. Harris permanently moved to the defensive line in 2009 as a sophomore backup tackle, finishing with 14 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and a 0.5 sack. He earned a starting role in 2010 as a junior and statistically had his best season, recording 35 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one pass breakup, one forced fumble and one interception. Harris was part of a heavy line rotation in 2011 as a senior, but still started 10 games at defensive tackle, finishing with 22 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and six pass breakups. Harris is an impressive athlete with gifted burst for a man his size, but is used to getting away with his natural strength, size and athletic ability and never seemed to worry about developing his technique - will he put the work in to get better? He struggles with leverage off the snap and plays too tall, limiting his effectiveness as a pass rusher. Harris flashes the ability to be an unstoppable force if he gave top effort on each play, but he struggles to do that. He looks like a potential pro starter and top 120 pick, ideally suited for a team that utilizes a rotation-heavy defensive line.

positives

Looks the part with a tall, filled out frame. Big bodied rusher with very good upper-body strength. Strong and stout at the point of attack with the measureables to occupy multiple blockers. Quick footed with rare burst for his size. Very good quickness off the snap to split defenders and penetrate the pocket. Very active with the light feet to chase and make a play. Shows the agility to catch blockers off balance. Good awareness and improved instincts, quickly recognizing plays and showing the fluidity to change directions. Does a nice job elevating in passing lanes with seven career pass breakups.

negatives

Needs to keep his pad level low; pops upright and plays too tall, struggling to maintain leverage off the snap. Doesn't play fundamentally sound and lacks much technique in his repertoire. Needs to play more disciplined and control his aggression. Inconsistent performer and too often disappears for stretches. Banged up and played sparingly late in 2011 so durability and/or fatigue could be an issue. Doesn't play with a relentless motor and needs to give consistent effort on every play. Only average production in his two seasons as a starter.

nfl comparison

Corey Peters, Atlanta Falcons

His 2006 honors included Super Prep All-American, Prep Star All-American, Super Prep Elite 50, Prep Star 100, Rivals.com 100, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, Scout.com All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News-Tribune Western 100, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Medium Schools first team, All-CIF Northwest Division first team, South Bay Daily Breeze All-South Bay first team and All-Del Rey League Lineman MVP as a senior at Serra High in Gardena (Calif.)

He had 64 tackles and 9 sacks as a defensive lineman, plus 19 receptions for 304 yards (6.0 avg.) with 4 TDs and 35 yards on 5 carries (7.0 avg.) primarily as a tight end on offense in 2006

As a junior in 2005, he made the South Bay Daily Breeze All-South Bay second team and All-Del Rey League first team while getting 44 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 1 interception on defense and catching 13 passes for 145 yards (11.2 avg.) with 1 TD on offense

.He had 50 tackles and 4 sacks, plus 4 receptions, as a 2004 sophomore.