A year ago, James Harrison’s football future was hazy, Released by the Cincinnati Bengals after a failed season in a 4-3 scheme, the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t seem to have much interest. By August, Harrison was in Pittsburgh. Not in pads but a suit, announcing his retirement as a Steeler.
It was a short-lived ceremony and after Jarvis Jones’ fractured his wrist in Week Three, Harrison – with the permission of his two boys – came back in a #92 uniform. He played well, even dominant at times, but hindered by the simple fact he didn’t have the chance to get football shape.
Harrison will never be the person to lay in bed with a tub of Ben and Jerry’s, but there’s a big difference between working out to stay in shape and preparing your body for football. The linebacker says he’s in a much better place coming into the 2015 campaign.
Though Harrison isn’t aiming for his prescribed 25 snaps per game, Porter reiterated that is the goal for the 37 year old.
“No matter the situation, (Harrison) knows I have his best interest in mind, and I’ve said it before. He knows where we’re at, and he’s going to give me what I ask him to give me.”
It’s been an idea for evidently quite some time. Arthur Moats told Paulk Harrison’s snap count came up in contract talks. Moats re-signed in early March.
Deebo certainly isn’t a vocal leader. He hopes his work ethic sends the message to the younger players of what it takes to succeed in this league.
“I show what I do by actually doing it. I don’t talk to them about it. If you follow my lead, it shouldn’t be that hard to do the things that are necessary.”
Jones worked as the first-team right outside linebacker during OTAs and is expected to start the year. At 25 reps per game, Harrison would be expected to play slightly under 40% of the snaps.
