DeJon Harris – Noteworthy
The unquestioned leader for the defense is middle linebacker De’Jon “Scoota” Harris. That was the top recruiting victory for Morris and defensive coordinator John Chavis last winter. Harris could have skipped his senior year and gone to the NFL draft. Harris has been one of the standouts in winter conditioning, adding to his speed. The entire team is faster. Morris said the second winter with Trumain Carroll, the strength and conditioning coach, has produced needed bulk with no sacrifice to speed. “Our bodies are noticeably different,” Morris said. “The expectations of where we would be in year two were great. We have a different culture. It was mandated and demanded of everyone in our building.”
Morris spoke of the bonding that has taken place over the winter. He said it came down to making sure the behavior was right in all areas of the team. He explained the definition of culture goes back to behavior. “If you don’t like the results, check the behavior,” Morris said. The bond includes a different attitude starting at breakfast before the early morning workouts. The workers at the Jerry & Gene Jones Family Student Athlete Success Center pointed out a difference in the way the players were seated at breakfast. “The entire team was seated at two long tables,” Morris said. “That’s small, but it’s a big deal.” – Northwest Arkansas Times
Dre Greenlaw – Noteworthy
Greenlaw got a taste of the next level at the Senior Bowl last month, where he made the tackle on the opening kickoff, played on the second unit for the Los Angeles Raider’s North team, and underwent a rigorous interview schedule. “I got some good experience and got around a lot of coaches and was able to kind of showcase my talent a little bit,” Greenlaw said. “They were able to see me move around and make some plays. I felt confident and good about it.” Greenlaw said he’s trying to stay level-headed during the process. “I’m just trying to be patient and stick to the grind,” he said. “This time can be a little stressful because you don’t know what’s going to happen or where exactly you’re going to end up or how it’s all going to work out.”
The week at the Senior Bowl helped in that regard. “You’re just staying up all night and doing interviews and waking up early in the morning to weigh in and do medical checks and whatever it is they have us doing,” Greenlaw said. “But I’ve heard [the combine] is a very stressful environment. It’s kind of their idea of putting you under stress and seeing if you can perform at the same time. They want to see how you react to it. I’m thankful to be given this opportunity. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I’m just grateful to be there.” – Northwest Arkansas Times