@MizzouFootball’s Charles Harris Declares for NFL Draft
12/1/2016 8:26:00 AM | Football
Junior DE will forego final year of eligibility
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri junior DE Charles Harris (Kansas City, Mo.) will bypass his final year of eligibility and make himself available for the 2017 NFL Draft. Harris made the announcement today in a press conference held at the Mizzou Athletics Training Complex.
Harris came to Mizzou as a virtually unheralded recruit, and developed into one of the top collegiate defensive ends in the nation. He had a breakout season along the defensive line on one of the nation's top defenses in 2015, leading the SEC in tackles for loss (18.5) while posting seven sacks. He earned All-SEC Second Team honors.
BREAKING: #Mizzou's @Charles_AO1 is headed to the @NFL! https://t.co/juFUnGauGC#MIZ #ShowMe #DLineZOU ???? pic.twitter.com/4SsbIRrMnt
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) December 1, 2016
Crazy to think nobody knew who Charles Harris was on signing day 2013. Missouri was his only D1 offer.
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) December 1, 2016
Charles Harris will graduate next semester after completing an internship. Will be first member of his family to graduate from college.
— Gabe DeArmond (@GabeDeArmond) December 1, 2016
From all of #Mizzou, thank you @Charles_AO1#MIZ #ShowMe #DLineZOU ???? pic.twitter.com/CFvqLunPm8
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) December 1, 2016
Heralded as the next great player along #DLineZou heading into the 2016 season, Harris earned preseason All-SEC honors and was named to five preseason award watch lists. His play on the field did not disappoint as he finished 2016 with 9.0 sacks (26th nationally), 12.0 tackles for loss, 10 QB hurries and was second on the team with 61 tackles. He will finish his Mizzou career ranked seventh in program history with 18.0 sacks and 12th in school history with his 34.5 tackles for loss.
"Charles and I have had a few conversations about his future," said Head Coach Barry Odom. "I am extremely proud of his approach on a very big decision. Certainly, I wish we could have another year with Charles leading our program, but there's no question in my mind that he's ready for the next level. He knew the time would come to make a decision, but his primary focus was always this team and doing what he could to make himself better and to help his teammates and coaches. Charles was voted as a team captain, which shows the level of competitor he is and the respect he had on this team. We're going to miss him, no doubt, but it's time for him to take his talents to the NFL. We'll be beaming with pride when we turn on the TV on Sundays and see Charles out there representing Mizzou," he said.
Harris is another in a long line of Mizzou standouts to declare for the NFL Draft early. Other notables include Kony Ealy (second round, 2014), Blaine Gabbert (first round, 2011), Jeremy Maclin (first round, 2009), Shane Ray (first round, 2015), Sheldon Richardson (first round, 2013) and Aldon Smith (first round, 2011). Of those players, four were members of #DLineZou. Below are quotes from Harris from Thursday's press conference.
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On when he first made the decision…
"I knew for a long time that I was considering coming back. It happened for me after the last game. Throughout the season, I stayed focused on my team. Didn't worry about the NFL at all. After the last game, I went home and talked to my father and came to the decision."
On the advice he received from Head Coach Barry Odom…
"Really, he just told me to stay true to myself. Remember how I got here in the first place. Remember how I came here from Kansas City, from Lincoln Prep, and how I became successful at this level. He is right behind me 100%. He feels there's nothing I can't do, nothing I can't achieve."
On whether he has received any NFL feedback, and if that played a part in his decision…
"I made the decision before I got any feedback this year, but I did get some good feedback last year. I feel like I got my production up, and I feel that I am better now than I was last year, some I am just taking a chance on it."
On what position he sees himself playing in the NFL…
"I really feel like a hybrid. I can play either (3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE) spot. I like standing up if that's the situation, but I also like playing with my hand in the dirt. I can play against the run, I can pass rush, or I could drop into coverage. Whatever the team needs me to do. And the things I am not as good at, I am willing to learn and develop those skills with hard work, just like I did here at Mizzou."
On what it means to be the latest in the string of great DLineZou players headed to the NFL…
"It is an honor. God has perfect timing. I came here right at the right time when DLineZou started to really erupt. I mean, just look at all of the great guys in front of me. Shane Ray, Marcus Golden, Michael Sam, Kony Ealy, and the list goes on. I just came at a great time, and I really learned a lot from those guys. They really taught me their ways. For me to be under those guys' mentorship means a lot, and I am honored and blessed to carry the torch."
On his journey from unheralded recruit to potential first-round NFL Draft Pick…
"I can't really articulate the emotions I am feeling right now. Like I said, and I know it sounds repetitive, but I am just so blessed. I never saw this coming, and if I did, it would have been next year at the earliest. It is just amazing how things work out."
On the hardest part of leaving…
"Leaving my teammates. The class I came in with especially. Guys like J'Mon Moore, Anthony Sherrils, A.J. Logan. We went through gun club together, and worked out each and every year together. Leaving those guys here at the Zou is probably going to be the hardest part for me. But I know they want the best for me, and for me to be successful at the next level."
On the importance of getting his degree…
"You know, my mom and dad, that is all they have been preaching. Even when the hype was starting to surround my name, they kept me grounded, and reminded me that getting my degree was important. You never know what can happen in life, and you never know where life is going to take you. That diploma is something that will stick with you no matter what, because it's something that you worked hard for. No one can take it away from you. That's a big part of the reason I didn't leave last year. I really wanted to get my degree."
On the lessons learned from this season…
"Really, it was just to keep on fighting. Learning how to deal with distractions, and still being able to get the job done. Just going out there and performing for your brothers, your teammates. It taught me perseverance. I feel like there is no other school that has had as many off the field issues as we have, and still had this good of a team that could persevere through those issues."
On his dream NFL team…
"I don't have one. Just whoever wants to take a chance on me like Mizzou took a chance on me. I am going to make sure it pays off for the team that does take that chance."
On who will step up and fill the gap…
"I really feel like we got the answer this last game. I think that guy is going to be Marcel Frazier. I feel like he is the one who is going to carry the torch. It is amazing how he came in and picked up the culture and passion of this program immediately. He is just so consistent. What you guys saw in that last game is just a preview of what is going to happen next year. I have no doubt in my mind that DLineZou will be great next year. I am putting that pressure on him, and I know he wants that pressure."
