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Game No. 12: SMU 45, ECU 38 (OT) |
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Game
Slants
Friday, November 26, 2010
By Denny O'Brien |
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Harris was East Carolina's
best
By
Denny O'Brien
©2010 Bonesville.net
All Rights Reserved.
GREENVILLE You could have
scripted a better finale for East Carolina senior receiver Dwayne Harris. A
big win in front of a standing room only crowd would have been a fitting
ending for one of the most productive players in ECU history.
More specifically, the perfect
storyline would have featured Harris himself paving the way to an emotional
win by delivering one of the most memorable performances of his amazing
career.
Perhaps it would have been a
trademark kickoff return that sealed a thrilling victory, one where he
bounced in and out of tackles and into end zone. Or maybe an inside screen,
one where quarterback Dominique Davis tossed it three yards and Harris
carried it the other 75 to completely shift the momentum.
In the end, Harris would have
been given a well-deserved curtain call as the Pirates clinched their fifth
consecutive trip to a postseason bowl. Instead, he was a relative non-factor
as ECU fell for the fourth time in five games, this time 45-38 in overtime
to Conference USA West Division champ Southern Methodist.
It was hardly reflective of
the historical mark Harris left on the Pirates program. Because if you were
creating your list of all-time greats in ECU history and there are many
candidates worthy of distinction Harris would have to rank at the top.
Ahead of Jeff Blake. Ahead of
David Garrard. Ahead of current NFL superstar Chris Johnson.
I've been very fortunate to
have been around some guys that, on the field, were difference makers,
Pirates Coach Ruffin McNeill said. He has those things that you can't
actually coach. Some things, you can coach, but there are some things that
he does that you can't coach.
On top of that, he's one of
the most humble individuals that I've ever met in my life. I've been around
some pretty good receivers, the (Michael) Crabtrees, the Wes Welkers, just
to name a few. I've seen some, like Roy Williams and Randy Moss when he was
at Marshall. I've been around some pretty good receivers. Dwayne is second
to none. Period. End of discussion.
That Harris was the best
receiver in Pirates history isn't even a topic for discussion. The ECU
record book, which he almost completely rewrote, is evidence of that. And
truthfully you wouldn't need a stat sheet to make that determination.
Just like you shouldn't need a
box score or almanac to know that Harris was, more than anybody to ever play
at ECU, a complete package. A good memory and layman's knowledge of football
would lead to that conclusion.
Speed? While not the fastest,
Harris was still plenty quick.
Strength? His legs are as
sturdy as redwoods.
Finesse? Find me someone more
dynamic in the open field.
Durability? A head-on
collision with a semi probably wouldn't sideline him.
Memories? Who in program
history has delivered more indelible moments?
Harris made most of his as a
receiver, catching short passes and turning them into long gains. He made
plenty more as a return specialist, where thrice last year he carried
kickoffs back for scores.
He lined up under center, in
the slot, and in the backfield. Had he spent his time at quarterback, you
have to believe he would have been one of the better run-pass threats
around.
Just imagine the impact he
could have made as a safety given his propensity for contact.
It's been great, junior
quarterback Dominique Davis said about playing with Harris. I get the ball
to him and he does whatever you ask him to do. He turns a small play into a
big play.
He's very exciting to watch.
I can speak for everybody in the locker room. Everybody is going to miss
him.
Especially the fans.
Players like Dwayne Harris
don't come around that often. That goes for most schools. So it could be a
while before East Carolina lands another player who rivals Harris'
all-around ability.
If ever.
That's why Harris deserves the
distinction of having his jersey retired at ECU. As the most complete player
in program history, clearly he's earned it.
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11/27/2010 03:23:55 AM |
