His East Carolina teammates call him Young Slash because he seems to always be able to find a seam, a tiny crack in the defense and exploit. He confounds even the best of the Pirates� linebackers as they try to make sense of how a guy can just shrug off their best hits. To the coaches, he presents a bit of too much of a good thing as they scratch their heads looking for more ways to get him the football. For the fans, he is something to behold, always one step from a TD.

For Dwayne Harris, it is just the way he plays football. Arguably the biggest of ECU�s host of playmakers, a lot of the diversity in the offense was lost a season ago with an injury to the wide receiver/kick returner extraordinaire in the 10^th week of the season. Harris is healthy again now � in fact he says he is feeling darn good right now � and the junior is excited about the offensive possibilities this season. He thinks it could be a season of fireworks.

Harris took the time recently to sit down with Bonesville for a one-on-one Q & A in which he shared his thoughts about the Pirates offense, the possibilities of being miles better than a year ago, and the Pirates goals for 2009. Harris clearly is a special talent and to talk to him, you understand quickly why he is so respected by his teammates. In a word, he is humble and unselfish. And he sees an opportunity for something very, very special this season.

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ECU Media Relations photo

Bonesville: As a junior, you have played a lot of football at ECU already and will be counted on to be a vital part of the ECU offense. What is this offense out to prove this season?

Dwayne Harris: We are out to prove that we can play with the best teams out there. Last year we had some injuries and off-field problems so we weren�t able to do some of the things this offense can do. This season, we are healthy and have playmakers and expect to be one of the best in the conference.

B: Are you healthy and feeling good? What is the role you expect to play this season in this offense?

DH: I am back at 100% and I am feeling great. I am out here to do whatever the coaches want me to do� I am ready for whatever role they want me to play in the offense.

B: You are regularly referred to as the team�s biggest playmaker. Do you see a lot of things happening that will allow you to make those types of plays?

DH: We have Jamar Bryant coming back which gives us another big threat on the other side of the offense and a guy like Michael Bowman, another guy who is similar to me. We have Dominique (Lindsay) coming back who makes big plays so, yes, there should be a lot of opportunities for me to make some big plays. Defenses can�t key on just one guy in our offense.

B: Any nicknames for you?

DH: They call me Young Slash� so I try to live up to that.

B: Talk about some of the young guys in the receiving corps. Who should we keep an eye on for breaking out this season?

DH: The young guys� you have guys like Darryl Freeney and Joe Womack and Michael Bowman � those are three young guys who are going to get a lot of playing time and are able to contribute to make a big impact on the offense.

B: The offense returns a veteran quarterback in Patrick Pinkney. Talk about the importance of having a guy like Pinkney back under center.

DH: BD

B: From a receiver�s perspective, how important is it that Pat Pinkney is back for another year?

DH: With Pat being back, we have all been with him for three years now. All of us know him, know how he throws the football, how he reacts in situations� we definitely know how to read each other with all of the work we have done through the seasons. That connection is important. We all have that connection with him and [that] should give us a lot of momentum going into the season.

B: When you look around the team, can you name a player or two that really commands your respect with their abilities?

DH: You know, we got a lot of great players here. There are too many to talk about.

B: Do you feel like working against this defense is going to benefit the offense this season?

DH: Yes, sir. As a receiver, you know, we play against one of the best safeties in the country in Van Eskridge and then you look at the corners and there is a freshman All-American in Emmanuel Davis and there is Dekota Marshall and [a great] line, one of the best in the country, coming at our quarterback, so we practice against the best every day here.

B: So, then, what is the goal this year for this team?

DH: The conference championship again, an undefeated season and get to a BCS bowl.

B: What kind of advantage does the home crowd give to this team?

DH: Huge. The fans support us win or lose here. It really helps to build the program and the recruits see that it brings them in.

B: What are your personal goals this season?

DH: Put up better numbers than last season and accomplish those team goals.

B: Do you think that if this offense can stay healthy, will it be the type of offense that can carry this team?

DH: Most definitely� we have playmakers all around this team, receivers, running backs, quarterback� our line� yes, I think we will be able to carry this team if we need to.