Former Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker Erik Harris is one of the many New Orleans Saints hopefuls looking to crack their roster for the upcoming NFL season. And with his “jack of all trades” versatility, being able to play linebacker, defensive back and safety, Harris has a shot to do just that.
Born in Los Angeles, Harris played his college ball for the Division II California University Vulcans, where he was the team’s starting safety. In four college seasons, he made 231 tackles, was named a First Team All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (All-PSAC) in 2010, and was named a Second Team All-PSAC in 2011. He went un-drafted, but was signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats just before the 2013 season. He went on to become a very big piece of a dominating Ticats defence. Harris played in 45 games in the Hammer, recording 79 defensive tackles along with 29 special teams tackles. He caught an offensive touchdown and also had three interceptions for the Tabbies.
During the summer of 2013, Harris and his wife Thersa had their biggest win off the field with the birth of their two twins Isaiah and Elijah. They are expecting a third child (a baby girl) in July of 2016. Harris sat down with LWOS to talk about his friend Delvin Breaux, what he expects this season and how he’ll miss Tigertown.
Troy Durrell: You spent the last three seasons in Hamilton with the Tiger-Cats before now going to New Orleans. How much did that experience, as well as help from head coach Kent Austin and defensive coordinator Orlando Steinauer, help you to where you are now?
Erik Harris: I’ve learned so much from those two and others on the staff. They taught me not only how to be a good football player, but to be a good person. They taught me how to care for my family by example. They exemplified how to be a professional. Coach O [Steinauer] has helped slow down the game for me and really break it down. I’ve always prided myself on film study, but he was on a whole other level. He gave me blueprints of the man I want to be growing up with my family, friends, coworkers, etc.
TD: What experience was playing in Hamilton like as a whole? All the travelling around with no stadium for a year and a bit, having to make shift home games at McMaster and Guelph, the atmosphere at Tim Hortons Field, what was it like?
EH: It’s all I knew because I was never on a pro team before. And it’s not as big of a deal as some make it out to be. It builds character. Handling adversity was good for us as a team, and really brought up together. Obviously it was convenient and time manageable being at Tim Hortons Field, but the bus rides to and from McMaster will never be forgotten. And the fans, I really can’t say enough good things about the support from the fans and those involved making sure game day goes smoothly at Tim Hortons Field. Win or lose, the true fans believed and we could really feel that presence. Walking to the locker room was all positive vibes from the stands – unless we lost and someone had one to many drinks *laughs*. All in all though, couldn’t ask for a better support system. Tigertown stuck with us through thick and thin, and us as players really appreciate that.
TD: The one to many beers thing made me laugh! What are some goals and expectations you have for yourself this year?
EH: *Laughs* it’s the truth though. Ticats fans are passionate. My goals are to make a positive impact inside the locker room and on the field. Obviously I want to make the 53-man roster, but most importantly I want to support my family and make sure finance is something we don’t have to stress about.
TD: Speaking of the NFL, whats the biggest translation you’ll have to make coming from the CFL? Is it a rule? Smaller field?
EH: The biggest adjustment may be just the speed of the game because of the smaller field. At the end of the day though, it’s still just football. Terminology can change with every team so I’m sure that’s another thing I’ll need to adjust to and catch up on when we get our play books.
TD: What is it like having a former teammate and good friend with you in New Orleans?
EH: Delvin has been a good friend of mine since our rookie year together, so it’s nice to have him. He’s been in New Orleans for a year already, and had an amazing first season. The fans love him and the guys in the locker room respect him. So he’s showing me the way. He’s a great friend.
TD: If for whatever reason you end up back in the CFL, is Hamilton the ideal place you’d like to end up?
EH: Without a question. It’s close to home for us, and the relationships I’ve made would be hard to turn away from. But thats a big IF I come back, because obviously I’d like to stick around in New Orleans and finish my career up here.
TD: Final question: the New Orleans Saints and Hamilton Tiger-Cats will do what this season?
EH: They will play each game like it’s their last and not look too far ahead. One game at a time, one win at a time. The success will take care of itself.
TD: I really appreciate it Erik, thanks a lot and good luck this season!
EH: Appreciate it! No problem, anytime.
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