Brandon Harris takes training to Texas

CORAL GABLES — Hurricanes cornerback Brandon Harris, who decided last month to forgo his senior season for early entry into the NFL, has been training at the Michael Johnson Performance Center in McKinney, Texas.

He's working with the retired Olympian sprinter as well as Lance Walker, a former strength and conditioning coach for the Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma Sooners.

"It's just a good opportunity for me to grow up and mature and focus on training and get away from some distractions that there may be back in Miami," Harris said by phone Sunday.

Unlike his 'Canes teammates, who played in the Senior Bowl and other all-star games, Harris hasn't had a chance to make an impression since the team's Sun Bowl loss to Notre Dame. Still, his stock continues to rise. Nationalfootballpost.com recently projected him to be drafted by the Texans at No. 11 or Lions at No. 13.

"Since I got up here, that's one thing I stayed away from," Harris said of projections. "Because I know it's something I can't control. … My only way to help myself will be at the [NFL] combine."

Harris said he's both nervous and excited about the combine, which starts Feb. 23 in Indianapolis.

"You want to show people that you belong and you're deserving [of attention], especially with me leaving as a junior," Harris said. "There are always foing to be questions, always going to be doubts out there. Why did this guy leave? He's not ready to be in the NFL. I hear that kind of stuff. People tell me that to my face."



(sun-sentinel.com)