Houston was pleased with the production it got from its third-round pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, but the Texans and DeMeco Ryans are excited about what Christian Harris will do in the fall.
Harris, a former University of Alabama linebacker, finished fifth on the team last season for total tackles (74). He had six tackles for loss, five pass breakups, a sack, an interception, and a forced fumble. The 6-foot-1, 226-pounder improved with each matchup in 12 games, including double-digit numbers for tackles against Kansas City (13) and Indianapolis (10). Harris’ first career interception came versus the Tennessee Titans. Ryans sees bigger statistics from Harris in the upcoming fall.
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He discussed with reporters at minicamp what has him the most excited about Harris. According to Cole Thompson, a host of “Just Sayin’ It” via Sports Map Radio Network, Ryans said there are not as many linebackers that are as explosive as Harris.
#Texans HC DeMeco Ryans: “There aren’t as many linebacker who are explosive as Christian Harris. He has the chance to be a great LB in this league. He took another step today…he has the mindset to put the work in and hone in on his craft before the start of camp.”
— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) June 13, 2023
As a Baton Rouge (La.) native, Harris came to the Crimson Tide as a four-star in the 2019 recruiting class.
He became impactful as a freshman, but Harris helped the team to a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2020 during his sophomore season. In his junior year, he played his best football when it mattered. Harris totaled 79 tackles, 12.5 stops for loss, 5.5 sacks, three pass breakups, four quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles. He assisted the Tide to a Southeastern Conference Championship in 2021 and a berth in the CFP National Championship Game. Harris has Will Anderson and Henry To’oto’o as his teammates again. He played with Anderson during his freshman year, pacing the Tide to a national title.
Harris played with Anderson and To’oto’o in 2021, earning an SEC Championship.
We will see what kind of growth Harris makes in year two as a linebacker.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
