Intriguing position change for “Macho” Harris

By Nate Crossman  |   Thursday, March 23, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Virginia Tech Hokies
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The first day of spring practice usually isn't all that exciting. A lot of drills and wind sprints; not a lot of action. But that wasn't the case Wednesday for the Virginia Tech Hokies. The first day was exciting because Hokie fans had their first chance to see a few players at new positions, most notably Victor "Macho" Harris at tailback.

Harris was the most highly sought-after recruit in the state of Virginia two years ago and with good reason. Not only was he one of the best defensive backs in the entire country at Highland Springs High outside of Richmond, he also rushed for 2,346 yards and 27 touchdowns. Harris finished his career with 5,320 yards and 70 TDs, and made Parade Magazine's All-American team as an athlete.

When he chose Virginia Tech, it was assumed he would move to defensive back full-time, and that's what he did. He played 13 games, registering 12 tackles. But he kept on the Virginia Tech coaching staff about playing running back, and his persistence paid off as he'll get his chance this spring. Currently Harris is listed as the second-string tailback along with redshirt freshman Elan Lewis. He'll play tailback for the first half of the spring before switching places with cornerback Jahre Cheeseman. Sophomore Brendan Ore will be in the mix come the fall, but is sitting out the spring after having shoulder surgery following the Gator Bowl.

Although this is squarely in the "experimental" stage, look for Harris to make an impact at tailback. He outshined both Ore and Lewis in high school, and Bell has been nothing but injury prone his entire career for the Hokies. At 6-foot, 190-pounds, Harris is also a bit slimmer than those three and has a chance to be a game-breaker, something Virginia Tech hasn't had since Kevin Jones.

If Harris goes both ways, he'll be following in the footsteps of former Atlanta Falcons No. 1 pick DeAngelo Hall, who played primarily cornerback his senior year, but also received some snaps at wide receiver.

Other position changes this spring include Duane Brown moving from right to left tackle and David Clowney from split end to flanker. Tight end John Kinzer will sit out the spring while he continues to recover from a neck injury.
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