Miami Hurricanes Senior Profile: DE Trent Harris

Often overlooked and underappreciated, Trent Harris has been a team player for the entirety of his career at Miami. A four-star prospect from Winter Park High School, Harris fielded offers from a wide swath of FBS schools. Choosing to stay close to home, playing for the University of Miami, Harris provided depth along the defensive line for the Hurricanes.

Harris made an impact for the ‘Canes immediately, contributing on special teams and as a member of the defensive line rotation. The six-foot-two defensive end utilized speed and relentless pursuit towards ball carriers, spilling runs back towards the help of the defense. Harris started his first collegiate game against Pittsburgh by registering a tackle. Before Harris ascended to being a sophomore, he tallied 15 tackles with one tackle for loss as a freshman.

Hovering under the radar entering his second season as fans looked at other players on the roster with more stars and sway coming out of high school, Harris was not expected to be anything more than a role player. However, Harris earned the right to be a starter on the defensive line, making the most of the opportunity. Starting 10 of Miami’s 13 games that season, Harris did whatever was asked of him. Whether that was to rush the passer, set the edge or drop back in coverage. It’s a simple concept to do what you’re told, but how many players play outside of the system, wanting to make the play because they believe in their talent and often leaving the rest of the defense vulnerable? Many ‘Canes fans will tell you that the system does no favors to the players. Regardless, Harris was a player who did what needed to be done, with small fanfare or great public appreciation. Harris had a productive season with 49 tackles, five tackles for loss, three-and-a-half sacks, one fumble recovery and a pass break-up.

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In year three, Harris was lauded and given his fair due as the new coaching regime immediately praised his blessings as a defender and team player—oh, wait. No, that didn’t happen, as Harris and the rest of the holdovers from the ‘Canes had to prove themselves to new head coach Mark Richt and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. Adversity doesn’t seem to phase Harris in any manner. The junior DE started seven of 13 games in 2016, providing the consistency Miami needed from an edge rusher. With a stat line that reads 25 tackles, nine-and-a-half tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two pass break-ups. Just another solid season for a player who is known for his reliability.

What has the player known as ‘Trusty Trent’ done for the team in his final season as a ‘Cane? How about lead them with six sacks? Or provide Miami’s notable defensive line with seven-and-a-half tackles for loss? Remaining a critical member of Miami’s defensive rotation, Harris quite simply continues to produce at a level that has this ‘Canes program on an upward trajectory.

Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

When Trent Harris does his senior walk before Saturday’s game and you think about the career that he’s had at Miami, one thing you can’t overlook is the production and stability that No. 33 provided the Hurricanes. For one day at least, Trent Harris will not be overlooked.

State of the U salutes Trent Harris and the rest of Miami’s 2017 senior class.

IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT THE U!