Michael Harris

Position:
Strong Safety
Height:
5-11
Weight:
201
Class:
Senior
Hometown:
Rougemont, N.C.
High School:
Person

2002: Played in every game primarily on special teams and as a reserve defensive back • Made four tackles (all on special teams), including three solo and one assist • Played 162 snaps, an average of 14 per game • Saw his most extensive playing time against Maryland • Decided to return to the team for his final season of eligibility in 2003.

Prior
Switched from tailback to defensive back prior to the start of the 2001 season • Played in every regular-season game and the Peach Bowl primarily on special teams in 2001 • Had three tackles, including two solo and one assist • Had two carries for four yards in Carolina’s 59-21 victory at Duke in 2000.

Person High School
Coached by John Lacy Harris • Played five different positions at Person, including tailback and fullback as a senior • Led Person in rushing and receiving in 1998 • Was a two-time all-conference selection and was county player of the year in 1998 • Rushed for 850 yards as a senior and 750 yards as a junior • All-area selection in 1998 • Also ran the sprints and hurdles in track and earned all-conference honors • A North Carolina Scholar.

Personal
Born Michael Anthony Harris on September 10, 1981 in Durham, N.C. • Has an older brother • Favorite athletes are Jamie Barnette and Bo Jackson • Greatest personal athletic moment was rushing for 237 yards and two touchdowns in a high school game against Orange High • Says it was his childhood dream to play for Carolina • His cousin, Avie Lester, played basketball at NC State • Favorite former Carolina player is Leon Johnson • Goal this year is to start on defense • Earliest football memory was playing with the older kids in his neighborhood • His father, George, is a reverend • Majoring in communications.