New England Patriots second-year running back Damien Harris will enter 2020 with a breadth of knowledge.
Harris spent four years at Alabama and learned how to lead his group at the highest level of college football. He transitioned to the NFL world that placed Sony Michel, James White and Rex Burkhead ahead of him on the depth chart.
Instead of viewing the lack of playing time as a negative — Harris used it to gain knowledge and soak up all the wisdom he could get. While speaking with Patriots.com, he reflected on his rookie season.
“The biggest thing for me last year was learning as much as I could,” Harris said. “Everybody’s path is different. I focused on learning as much as I could and learning from the older guys in the room. There’s a lot of experience in that room. Any opportunity to improve physically or mentally that was my mindset all year.”
New England will be without Tom Brady for the first time in two decades and the running back group will become much more relevant. The combination of this and Michel’s foot injury will be beneficial for Harris and his time on the field.
He also has one of the best overall running back rooms to learn from.
“It’s great. I have so many guys to learn from,” Harris said. “Sony is a guy I knew from college and seeing his level of success was exciting. Rex (Burkhead) and James (White) have developed over the years. There’s so much I can learn from them on and off the field. Listening to what they’re telling me. How to become a pro.
“They all played their part in helping me learn and develop. The message from all of them is the same: Be ready because you never know when your time will come and you don’t want to miss it. Stay the course, keep learning and be available.”
The coronavirus pandemic has put a halt on the way NFL players typically maneuver through the offseason, but Harris has found ways to compensate.
“It’s been interesting,” he said. “This is my first offseason in the league and with everything going on I still have to find a way to get my work in and prepare. I’m trying to take advantage of the opportunities I do have working out on my own and staying ready for whenever that time comes. It’s been different but at the same time I feel like I’m doing everything I can to stay prepared, whether that’s online or working out on my own.
“I was back in Alabama early and then back in Massachusetts. I’ve had a little interaction with teammates. Some of the guys have been able to get together and work out safely and still be productive.”
Harris could be up for a breakout season — especially if Michel misses any amount of time. He cracked 1,000 rushing yards twice with the Crimson Tide and almost did it his senior year after recording 876 yards.
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