Name: AJ Harris
School: North Park University 
Position: WR/RB/ATH 
Height: 5-11
Weight: 205

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

My goal was to leave the program better than I found it, that It was the biggest reason why I chose to attend North Park. The opportunity to be apart of something bigger than myself was very appealing to me. North Park hadn’t had a winning season in more than 55 years, let alone won 4 games in any single season. Over the course of these last 4 years I was able to learn how to lose with dignity, win with grace, and comprehend the Why’s & How’s behind God’s true power. Those teachings all culminated in helping my team finish 5-5 on the season & help turnaround the culture of the program while also earn 2nd team All-Conference honors despite not having similar numbers from my record breaking season as a sophomore. That’s a testament to the things I’ve sacrificed for not only myself but also for my team, as well as the respect I’ve earned from the other programs in the CCIW.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

Without a doubt I know everyone within the North Park community would speak to my blue collar work mentality. They would also speak to my passion for the game and how it has fueled not only my play but my ability to ignite & elevate the play of my teammates. As for my coaches, they would tell you I have a deep understanding of the game of football, I’m driven to succeed in the most selfless way possible & my versatility helps make the game easier for everyone. They’d also say those three factors have helped me create problems for all defenses I’ve faced, along with my ability to break tackles & become a dominant presence in the pass game and the run game.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

Initially I like to identify the fronts & coverages first, then I begin a in depth breakdown of individual players. As a running back I assess fronts, gap responsibilities & blitz packages to help with my pass protection responsibilities. I also identify the high & low tacklers to see who’s susceptible to juke moves and/or hurdles, as well as who avoids contact. As a wide receiver I identify a db’s comfortability in bump and run, press, catch & zone. I note what foot & hand they step or jam with first, if they’re better at guarding outside or inside releases, does he inch out or try to jam. I detail if they’re able to track the ball well while in the air as well as susceptibility to double moves. I also observe defenders depth & drops during specific coverages to identify their responsibilities that allows me to create a game plan as a wide receiver. Lastly, I monitor a team’s tendencies, per down as well as situational, like when we’re backed up or in the redzone.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

As for what separates me from a positional standpoint, I believe my versatility sets me apart. Playing at the Division III level you have to be able to maximize your strengths while striving to improve your weaknesses relentlessly. I do not believe that anyone in this sport, to this day, has a deeper understanding of the running back & wide receiver than me! Playing at North Park, in arguably the toughest conference in Division III football allowed me the opportunity to play full individual season’s at both running back & wide receivers. As a result I was able to explore my abilities, mentally & physically while taking full advantage of the abundance of reps I received.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

I will be graduating in December with my degree in exercise science. So just like I’ve done over the past three years I’ll be using the information I’ve learned to enhance my body, perfect my current abilities & add expand my toolbox of skills. I was selected to play in the FAF Senior Bowl on December 2nd, that’s the next challenge on my agenda to attack so that’s my immediate focus. Afterwards I’ll solely lock into training and preparing for my next opportunity. I have created a training plan, as well as a day-to-day lifestyle plan including my dietary needs, film study & rest routines. As always my goal is to go 1-0 everyday until I achieve my dream of playing professionally!

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

Off the field I will bring a up close and personal view of what God’s power looks like when you live by his words & walk by faith. My relationship with God is the biggest factor that has aided the ascension of my game. It has grounded me and allowed me to become more focused on my vision over the last 4 years. As for on the field, I will bring a contagious passion that motivates everyone around me to be the best version of themselves, day in & day out. My positionless versatility will allow me to help improve the efficiency of any offense by giving us the ability to use multiple schemes & formations, creating mismatches for myself and teammates. Whether it’s playing kick returner, gunner, running back, wildcat quarterback, outside receiver or slot I’ll be more than able and willing to execute the fundamentals of football and using my intangibles to help my team succeed!

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

I want the NFL and other professional leagues to know that I’m an athlete unlike anyone else. I’m grounded by my faith and driven by humility, but passionate & fiery enough to compete for every scrap of an opportunity I earn. Coming from what some would the bottom of the barrel, Division III, my hunger to succeed is on a different level! The best way I can explain it is when all hell brakes loose and you develop a craving, you cannot ignore, to dominate any and everything standing in your way on and off the football field. That is the mindset I’ll be bringing to the team that grants me the opportunity to play for them. While navigating this journey God has chosen for me I have vividly identified the true powers God has given me… All I need is an opportunity to display what those powers can do for an organization!