Harris Working On Leadership Skills

An article ran a few days back regarding Miami’s quarterback Jacory Harris and a step outside his comfort zone in effort to be come more of a leader for his Hurricanes.

Moments after a 38-35 loss to Virginia Tech, the senior felt like he had to say something to his teammates. Harris, who usually saves his talking for the huddle, felt it was necessary to vocalize his feelings after another heartbreaking loss for his Hurricanes.

“I usually talk in the huddle, do something to cheer them up, make sure everyone is focused, make sure I don’t see any big eyes, everyone scared,” said Harris. “I just felt like (after the game) I’m not the type of person that will stand up in front of everybody, but I felt I should because I don’t want it to be too late.”

“I know people expect to hear from the quarterback a lot – I wanted to address the team with everything I felt, how we needed to change, go along the rest of the season.”

Harris noted that the room was silent as he spoke, with everyone focused on his message.

“(The loss) just hurt. I’m tired of just falling short. That’s how it’s always been since I’ve been here. We’re going to keep fighting.”

Harris noted that it’s the offense’s job to score every time they have the ball and that it’s on them to help bail the defense out. Miami was down 21-7 to Virginia Tech at one point before the offense came alive and took a late 35-31 lead, which was quickly surrendered in the three-point loss.

Harris also noted that he must make smart decisions, get the ball to playmakers and continue making solid audibles at the line. He noted that he audibles up to a half dozen times per game – one in particular was Miami’s first touchdown, when finding Allen Hurns in the end zone.

Harris said that Virginia Tech was showing an all-out blitz with Miami set to run a a keeper, so he changed to a passing play and got the ball to Hurns.

In a matter of four games Harris has worked his way up to tenth in the nation regarding passing efficiency. Harris was 13-of-21 for 267 yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers against Hokies. It was Harris’ second straight interception-free outing. Harris has three interceptions on the season, compared to 14 in 2010 and 24 in 2009.

IN OTHER NEWS : Coach Golden expressed earlier this week that some players are still too focused on the individual over the team, concerned with highlight reels and what Golden referred to as “external affirmation”. Golden stated that he wants a team that consistently executes, is process-drive and let’s the outcome take care of itself.

Because of these “external affirmation” guys, Golden explains that players aren’t on the same page. He stated that some of these guys think they’re better than they are, but are being humbled by the process. He wants them to execute their assigned roles.

As an outsider, it’s absolutely mind-boggling that anyone on this team could be big-headed. 28-23 under Randy Shannon over the past few years, three straight bowl losses, 2-3 this season and 0-2 in ACC play?

Highlight reels are the last thing anyone should be looking at. The only thing these guys should be watching is game film of last week’s mistakes and next week’s opponent.

Lastly, on the injury front, defensive tackle Adewale Ojomo is expected play at North Carolina this weekend and defensive coaches also expect defensive end Jalen Grimble back in action. Due to the lack of depth on the defensive line, coaches have been working out offensive tackle Jermaine Johnson with the defense, while true freshman Corey King has been given the green light to play, if needed. Miami originally planned on redshirting King, but will do whatever is necessary this season due to depth concerns.

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