Scouting Connecticut with Adam Harris
Adam Harris began his collegiate football career as a linebacker at Cornell. After transferring to Syracuse prior to the 2009 season, Harris walked on to the football team and switched to the fullback position during spring practice in 2010. Now the starter at the position, Harris has played in all 10 of SU’s games this season and has helped pave the way for running back Delone Carter, who has 938 yards rushing on the season. On Saturday, the Orange offense faces a challenge in Connecticut, a team that beat West Virginia and Pittsburgh in its previous two games and beat SU 56-31 last season. The Daily Orange spoke to Harris this week to discuss how the unit is preparing for the Connecticut defense:
The Daily Orange: This Connecticut defense was able to neutralize both West Virginia and Pittsburgh in the running game, so what do you guys need to do to have success against them?
Harris: No. 1, we just need to protect the ball. That’s the biggest thing. We can’t turn the ball over. Last week we had some turnovers and, fortunately, we still came out on top. But one thing that we always talk about is we have to be positive in the turnover ratio. That will be one of the biggest keys this week — win the turnover ratio and picking up your assignments when they bring pressure.
If you were to pinpoint some of the key players and positions on this Connecticut defense from watching film, whom would you say you need to focus on this week?
I know they have some real experienced linebackers — four- and three-year starters. They’ve got a couple linemen that have been there for a couple of years, too, so we know they’ll be stout against the run, and they’re really good up front.
Some teams have had some success bringing pressure against you guys. Do you expect Connecticut to construct a similar strategy this week?
Yeah, I definitely think they’ll bring a decent amount of pressure at us. The main thing for us is to get into the books this week and make sure everybody knows their assignments and whom they have to block.
Against several Big East teams this season, you guys have been able to stay in the game by managing the clock though not necessarily putting a lot of points on the board. How key is getting points on the board against this Connecticut team that has been successful shutting down offenses at times this season?
It’s really important. Time of possession is always huge in a ball game. If you can keep their offense off the field as long as possible, obviously they can’t put up points. If we can sustain long drives and put up some points, our defense can usually keep us in the game.
What are some things that Connecticut was able to do successfully against West Virginia and Pittsburgh that you guys have taken notice of?
It goes back to the turnovers. I know against Pittsburgh they intercepted a couple balls and forced some fumbles on kickoff returns. When you fumble the ball on your 20-yard line, they only have to go 20 yards to score. Their defense really helped their offense out a lot.
Heading into this week, looking to close out the season strong, how important is it for this Syracuse offense to continue improving?
I think everybody still feels hungry because I don’t think we’re done yet. There’s still a lot more that everybody wants to do with this season.
After already securing bowl eligibility, what is the mentality of this Syracuse team heading into this game? Is the pressure off, and is the sense of urgency still there?
Nobody wants to be complacent right now. Everybody is still hungry for this game and we just have to keep preparing like maybe we didn’t make the bowl game. When you start getting comfortable and start looking ahead, that’s when you get beat.
