Darius Harris, OLB-ILB, Middle Tennessee State #30

6026, 222, 4.72

Notes: From Horn Lake, MS. Has a twin brother and younger sister. Played quarterback and defensive back in high school. Also played goalie for the soccer team. Redshirted in 2014. Played in all 13 games and saw time on defense and special teams, credited with 44 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 interception (returned 42 yards to touchdown), 1 pass breakup and 1 forced fumble in 2015. Played in all 13 games and had 7 starts, registered 74 tackles, 8 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 PBU, 1 FF and 2 FR in 2016. Played in all 13 games and had 10 starts, finished with 64 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 7 PBU, 1 FF and 1 FR (for TD) in 2017; was MVP of team’s Camellia Bowl win over Arkansas State. Started all 14 games, posted 97 tackles, 12 TFL, 5 SACKS, 4 PBU AND 2 FF in 2018. Leisure sports and tourism major who wants to become a coach after playing career.

Positives: Good production. Good open-field athlete who runs well and displays good range and pursuit. Quick to react, instinctive and decisive to the ball. Flies to the football. Can penetrate into the backfield and disrupt. Good lateranl agility. Flows well within the box and can go from sideline to sideline. Always moving toward the ball and sifts through the wash nicely. Good inside-out pursuit. Can blitz inside or off the edge. Can drop into coverage and match up against tight ends or running backs. Will contribute on special teams. Should be able to bulk up to 230-235. Has continued to improve each season. Stood out at NFLPA Bowl (10 tackles).

Negatives: Somewhat lean and narrow frame. Lacks natural bulk. Gets engulfed and knocked around at the point of attack. Will give ground flowing the action. Needs to improve tackling and wrap up better at times. Lacks elite speed.

Summary: Needs to play off the ball but is an active, athletic and productive all-around player who can make plays in all phases of the game.