Deonte Harris
Wide Receiver
Assumption
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Deonte Harris: 5’6, 173 today and I haven’t run the forty yet. My 10-yard split is a 1.59.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Deonte Harris: Exceed Sports in Massachusetts.
Alex Khvatov: When is your pro day? What are your expectations?
Deonte Harris: It will be on March 20th at Harvard. To be honest, I want to have fun and show them all of the hard work that I have put in. I hope to run in the high 4.3’s, jump 10 feet in the broad and 12 to 15 reps on the bench.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall experience at the NFLPA Bowl.
Deonte Harris: It was a blessing. I was a small school guy. I was playing against guys from LSU and Michigan. I was around coaches that either played or coached at the next level. It was great just learning from those guys.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest thing that you will take away from the all-star game?
Deonte Harris: Having confidence in your ability. I have been playing the game for 16 or 17 years. I need to trust my ability.
Alex Khvatov: What was it like to go up against top competition at NFLPA Bowl?
Deonte Harris: At first, I didn’t know what to expect. I was kind of nervous. I was going up against a DB from LSU on the first play of the one on one’s. Then I got into my comfort zone. Football is football.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Deonte Harris: I didn’t have too many offers. Towson offered me a half of a scholarship. They were going to pay half of the cost. But Towson was close to home. Shepherd, Assumption and Merrimack offered me. I knew guys that were at Assumption. Two other kids were also being recruited by them that I played against in high school.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Assumption?
Deonte Harris: I went on a visit and I just loved the environment.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Deonte Harris: My playmaking ability and speed. I have the ability to score any time I touch the ball. My quickness. I can make people miss.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Deonte Harris: Cleaning up my route running. I have been working on being crisper and smoother. I have been working on getting bigger and stronger.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Deonte Harris: I came in and battled for the WR spot my freshman year. I started 11 out of 12 games. I was the rookie of the year in the conference. I was a freshman All-American. I was banged up my sophomore year and I missed five games. During my junior year, I became first team All-American. Senior year, I was second team All-American. We won two titles in four years. During my junior year, we went to the elite 8 in the playoffs. Senior year, we switched coaches and went 6-4.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Deonte Harris: We are the first team to win a championship here at Assumption. We did it twice in four years. We also made the playoffs in three out of the four years. Individually, I set a TD record for kick and punt returns at the school.
Alex Khvatov: Do you take a lot of pride in being a returner?
Deonte Harris: I didn’t take it that seriously at first. We spent a lot of time on special teams. It became a part of what I did. I hated special teams my freshman year. But I ran back two punt returns my freshman year and just fell in love with it. I realized how much of an impact special teams play in the NFL.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Deonte Harris: Attention to detail and urgency. Football is more than just one person. It takes a village. They harped on putting the team before yourself.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Deonte Harris: I am a big Philly fan. I was born in Texas and grew up in Baltimore. They had a lot of playmakers on the Eagles team when I started watching them.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Deonte Harris: DeAndre Hopkins.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a WR?
Deonte Harris: Confidence and attention to detail.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?
Deonte Harris: Figure out what coverage it is. I am looking at the leverage of the DB. I am paying attention to the little things.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Deonte Harris: CB Carlins Platel, DL Elijah Riley and LB Calvin Millner.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Deonte Harris: It is part of me. I have been playing the game for 16 years. It is a scapegoat for me. I love to play it.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Deonte Harris: There are leaders who lead by example and there are vocal leaders. A leader is someone who puts the team first.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Deonte Harris: Play video games.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Deonte Harris: I want to own a business.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Deonte Harris: Humble, hardworking, determined, caring and family-oriented.
