Packers Talk Radio Network continues its player profile series for our sponsor Mayfield Sports Marketing with a look at RB DuJuan Harris.
DuJuan Latroy Harris was born September 3, 1988 in Brooksville, Florida, a suburb of Tampa-St. Petersburg. One of nine children, he earned his nickname “Foxx” at a young age because of his red hair. The nickname has stuck ever since.
His football career began to take off when he attended Central High in his hometown. As a standout running back, Harris rushed for more than 3,000 yards and 45 TDs during his high school career. His play helped the school earn a district title, earning all region honors in the process. Harris also participated on the school’s track and field and weightlifting teams, but football would be his calling, one which he would continue at Troy University.
A four year letterman at Troy, Harris would excel in a number of different ways on the offensive side of the ball for the Trojans. His 2,635 rushing yards ranks third in school history. Harris would also add 27 rushing touchdowns for good measure. Seventy nine receptions for 553 yards, along with 14 kickoff returns for a 19.9-yard average showed just how much of a multi-dimensional talent Harris could be.
After leaving Troy, Harris hoped to continue his career in the NFL. Unfortunately, success would not come easy. At least, not at first.
After going undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft, Harris signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on July 28, 2011. His signing was the beginning of the long, slow climb to the NFL, as he spent the first 11 weeks of the season on the Jaguars’ practice squad. Refining his craft and biding his time, Harris was elevated to the active roster for the final 5 weeks of the season. Serving as a kick returner and backup running back, Harris hoped his path to the NFL was complete.
Unfortunately for Harris, this was not to be.
Harris’ sophomore season started with a thud when he was released by the Jaguars on August 25, 2012. He was signed by the Steelers two days later, and four days later was released again.After not getting picked up by another team, and knowing that life would have to continue, Harris resigned himself to selling cars to make end meet.
His football career, which had just started, was seemingly over.
Enter Ted Thompson and his keen eye for talent.
After spending a few weeks on the Packers practice squad, learning the intricate details of the Mike McCarthy offense, Harris was promoted to the active roster for the December 1 game against the Vikings. The following week, Harris would earn his first career start. From that point on, everyone knew who DuJuan Harris was.
Finishing 2012 with 257 yards and four TDs on 62 carries (4.1 avg.), Harris added a dimension to the Packers offense not seen in some time-a “scat back” who could maneuver through the defense because of his size and speed, but also powerful enough to run over defenders when necessary. Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy was so impressed with Harris that he named him the starting running back going into the 2013 season.
This video demonstrates the speed and power of Harris:
Sadly, Harris is now facing an uphill battle yet again.
A knee injury kept Harris out for the entire 2013 campaign. During that time, Eddie Lacy emerged as the primary back in the Packers offense, with James Starks taking on the role of primary backup. Jonathan Franklin would also spell Lacy, showing what he is capable of doing when given the opportunity. Meanwhile, Harris began a rigorous rehab program, ensuring that when the 2014 OTAs and Mini Camps were underway, he would be ready to once again show that he belonged with the Packers as they begin their march toward their 14th NFL Championship.
Editor’s Note: After seeing this article, DuJuan responded on Twitter with a little info about himself:
@jrehor@PackersTalkNet well……….I’m down to earth and like to get on the grill and have crew over lol
DuJuan Harris will be in person at the Ultimate Fan Connection on Saturday, June 7 at Stadium View Bar and Grill. For more information about this event, visit the event’s Facebook page.
If you would like to book DuJuan Harris to attend your next business function, please click this link and fill out the attached form.
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John Rehor is a writer at PackersTalk.com.
He can also be heard as one of the Co-Hosts of Cheesehead Radio. ---------------------
