2007 NFL Draft: Clark Harris To Bring Right Attitude To Packers

By Jeremy White, NFLHS.com

Clark Harris is a football player. That is to say, he has the consummate football player's mentality, the gritty attitude and take-no-prisoners bravado coaches applaud on the gridiron.

He happens to play tight end, which allows him plenty of opportunities to get the best of both worlds as he catches passes and doles out hits with equal measure.

"The great thing about being a tight end is that you can be a lineman and hit people and be a receiver and catch the ball," says Harris, who played his collegiate ball at Rutgers and was drafted in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers.

"I like both run blocking and catching the ball over the middle and taking a hit. I like the physical aspect of the game. That's why I love the tight end position. It's a physical position but you can still get a little of the glory the running backs and receivers get."

Harris carries the ball during a game against WV Dec. 2, 2006.

At Rutgers, Harris spent much of his time blocking for a two-headed monster in the backfield. The Scarlet Knights had a punishing running game, one that frequently wore down opponents - and Harris was all too happy to be a part of it.

"We had some great running backs, so I had to be on the ball," Harris says. "When it comes down to it, I like blocking better, especially when you get a good shot at someone. When I caught my first touchdown pass it was exciting, but I was more excited about what happened earlier in the game when I got a good crack-back block that knocked off a defensive back's helmet and knocked loose his ear piece and sprung Brian Leonard free for a touchdown."

What other attitude would a coach want from a football player? But Harris can do more than put a defender on his backside.

"I can change directions well, and being agile is a tremendous asset to a tight end," he says. "I can catch the ball when it comes my way, too."

In high school, Harris starred in track and field as well as football. The two sports seem to marry well regardless of what position one plays in football. In the spring sport, Harris threw the javelin and says he enjoyed the event.

"I really liked it, but I didn't participate in track in college because of the football requirements," he says, noting the demands of playing Division I football leave little time for other sports.

Does he recommend high school athletes play multiple sports?

"Absolutely," Harris says. "If you're good in something, do it. Or even if you aren't all that great but really enjoy playing, then do it. At that level, if you can help out the team with talent or hard work or whatever, you definitely should. It's good for you as an athlete to play different sports that stress and develop different skills."

Story courtesy Red Line Editorial, Inc.