CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – When the Browns selected Nick Harris in the fifth round back in late April, the thought was he’ll be brought along slowly as a potential replacement for JC Tretter in a few years.
So much for that thought.
With Tretter recovering from a minor knee procedure and no clear timeline for his return, at least that the Browns are willing to share, Harris is getting a crash course and welcome to the NFL by filling in with the first team offense.
“It is a great opportunity to get thrown in the fire,” Harris said Monday during a Zoom video conference with reporters. “That is how you learn the best. That is how you get the best reps is going against ones on ones.”
Having to step in right away after being expected to sit in year one is not a new experience for Harris, which is helping him adjust to the current situation.
“Going into college, I kind of was thrown into the fire too as a true freshman so I know how to handle these situations,” Harris, who started over 42 games combined at guard and center for the Huskies, said. “You are going to make mistakes. Just minimize those mistakes being made, learn from the guys around you that have played a little bit and at the end of the day, just play fast. If you mess up playing fast, at least you are showing that you care about what you are doing. That is kind of the mindset I have going about training camp so far.”
It’s conceivable the Browns could have two rookies on their offensive line to kick off the season with No. 10 overall pick Jedrick Wills at left tackle and Harris at center.
If Tretter is not ready by Week 1, Harris would likely play the first two games with the quick four-day turnaround when the Bengals visit on September 17th following the opener in Baltimore on the 13th.
“It is part of this game. Sometimes things happen where you have to play, and injuries are obviously a part of this game,” Harris said. “When I heard it, I was just, ‘OK. Well, here we go. I have to go now.’ I get the plays, I get the scheme and everything so I just have to go out there and execute. It is what it is. It is a part of the game. It is just the next man up. If he is down for a little bit or whatever it is, I will be ready to step in when need be.”
When Harris was drafted, some questioned his 6-1 frame and whether he was big enough to play the position in the NFL.
Harris sees his size as an advantage, and he feels taller centers are at a disadvantage.
“I think it helps me to be honest,” Harris said. “It helps me with leverage. It helps with my hands and hat placement. I have natural knee bend to where guys have to be coached to bend their knees when I can just already do it. It helps my lateral quickness. I think it helps me.
“On paper, if I was 6-4, it would sound better, but I think functionally, if you really know the intricacies of playing this position, I have the ideal build, I think, and I think other people also would think that. It is what it is. I have been asked about that numerous times, and I kind of get excited a little bit when people ask me that because I know in the back of their mind they are doubting me. It gives me a little chip on my shoulder. I have always held that close.”