Tulsa World: Harris is Sooners' new man in middle

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Harris is Sooners' new man in middle

By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer
Published: 10/19/2008 2:16 AM
Last Modified: 10/19/2008 3:06 AM

NORMAN — Four-year starting safety Nic Harris debuted at middle linebacker Saturday, then said: "I've played the (weakside) 'backer and the (strongside) 'backer, but you never really have to shed linemen every snap like at middle. I don't think my body is meant to do that. I'm drained."

He got through it, though, and for that, the Sooners were very, very grateful.

"It takes a lot of guts on his part for him to step up and be willing to do it," OU coach Bob Stoops said after a 45-31 victory over Kansas.

A lot of guts, and a lot of help.

Quinton Carter, a spot player since 2006, took Harris' spot at free safety. He wound up with a team-leading 10 tackles and zero coverage busts.

"He was money," said Brent Venables, OU defensive coordinator.

And while Harris replaced the injured Ryan Reynolds physically, weakside linebacker Travis Lewis helped fill the void from a mental standpoint.

"I was the signal-caller," Lewis revealed. "I gave the D-line their calls and made the left and right calls. Nic stepped up, and I had to step up."

These were coaches' considerations when they decided to sub Harris for Reynolds last Sunday, the day after Texas slot receiver Jordan Shipley exploited their middle for a huge second half.

They knew Kansas would try the same thing with Kerry Meier. The athletic, experienced Harris gave them their best option at stifling that plan.

It wasn't until Thursday everyone felt comfortable.

"I knew at the end of the day, I was going to have to do it, no matter if I liked it or not," Harris said. "So I just tried to make the best of the situation."

On game day, that's what he did. Meier, KU's go-to guy, caught four passes for 24 yards. Harris wasn't near perfect. But then, that wasn't what OU was looking for.

Said Stoops of Harris: "I thought he handled it really well for the most part."

Guerin Emig 581-8355
guerin.emig@tulsaworld.com By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer

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