Instead of following normal pre-draft routines, Marvin Harrison Jr. – at the console of his father and Hall of Fame catcher Marvin Harrison Sr. – decided to play the long game. Although his approach received some reviews, it ultimately worked for Harrison, who is rested and ready to participate in the Cardinals’ rookie minicamp next week.
“I like where my body is right now,” Harrison Jr. recently told ESPN. “I like where I am at the start of the season, at minicamp [and] at training camp. I’m just super excited because I think (it) puts me in a great position to be successful in the regular season. »
So what did Harrison do that was different from other prospects? In addition to withdrawing from the Ohio State bowl game, Harrison did not participate in the Buckeyes’ Pro Day or the NFL Combine. He also only visited two NFL teams – the Cardinals and Bears – before the draft.
While other prospects spent months training and traveling to NFL facilities, Harrison — who hasn’t played on the football field in a public venue since Ohio State’s loss to the 25th overall against Michigan – spent that time preparing for his first NFL season.
“Do we take this valuable time in January and February to relax and prepare for a 22-week season, or do you want to go out and fight, and the best you’ll do either way is ‘Is there four to go?’ Harrison Sr. recently said. “So we just weighed these options as a family. It’s like no matter what you do in this combine or at a pro day, what’s the best that can happen? And it was four. “
As Harrison Sr. mentioned, his son’s unique situation put him in a position to take the unconventional route. Barring anything unforeseen, Harrison would go to the Cardinals with the fourth overall pick. That’s ultimately what happened, as Harrison was the first non-quarterback to be chosen.
Harrison hopes his approach pays off this season, especially when it comes to the proverbial rookie wall.
“Hopefully in December and January, and then hopefully in the playoffs, I’ll play my best football,” he said, “because I’ve had the rest that I I needed.”
