Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Who is Marcus Harris?
At the ripe young age of 25, Marcus “Soup” Harris (@SoupHarris) is already an NFL journeyman. A record-holding receiver at Murray State, the Lions brought in Harris as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 season. By July 2012, he was gone. The Titans scooped up Harris in August, but he was waived before the month was out.
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Following a 94-reception, 1,223 yard and 19 touchdown campaign for the Iowa Barnstormers in the Arena Football League, the Giants were intrigued by Harris. They signed him onto the 90-man training camp roster entering 2013, and Harris would become a practice squad mainstay. In December, Big Blue solidified its ties with Harris bringing him back on a reserve/future contract.
Wise move.
Much like Corey Washington, who we profiled yesterday, “Soup” Harris is in the midst of living a ‘rags to riches’ NFL fairy tale. Well, not quite riches… but Harris has played himself into a near roster lock, and even the third wide receiver spot is suddenly within reach. With Odell Beckham Jr. nursing a hamstring and Jerrel Jernigan a knee, “Soup” is embracing his opportunity and can finally feel the pieces coming together:
"“This game is based off trust,” Harris said before practice on Wednesday. “The coaches I believe they trust me. Some coaches told me they trust me.“Coach Coughlin is interacting with me more. I look at that.”"
Whether it’s making circus grabs at practice or shining under the Hall of Fame Game lights in Canton, Harris’ slithery quickness and ball-in-air playmaking continue to flash with regularity. GMEN HQ lead writer James Pennisi, who projected Harris to crack the 53-man roster prior to Wednesday evening’s breakout practice, broke “Soup” down in this scouting report:
"At 6’1, 187, Harris has the frame to be a solid NFL receiver. He has decent speed, but is not game breaking in that department. Where he has really impressed has been in his sure hands. If he can gain the trust of Eli Manning, much like another undrafted wide receiver, Victor Cruz, did a few years back, the sky could be the limit for Harris.The Giants receiving core certainly has not had many standouts so far and as many as three roster spots could be legitimately open for competition. In his life, Harris has already proven that he is willing to keep fighting for his dream of playing in the NFL. Now, with his play on the field impressing coaches, and teammates alike, he might finally be close to fulfilling that dream."
There is no doubt that Marcus Harris (@SoupHarris) is best player on field today. Has about a dozen catches #giants
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 6, 2014
Victor Cruz, who happens to know a little something about preseason resume building, has taken notice of Harris and his consistent efficiency:
"“Marcus Harris, from the game he had and streaming into practice, he’s been really taking advantage of his opportunities, with a couple guys being down and things like that,” Cruz said. “He’s really coming to the forefront here as a good player. We’ll see how it goes, but he’s definitely one of the guys that’s standing out.”"
The Giants believed in Harris’ talents when the rest of the league had moved on. As we sit here today, the signing is looking like nothing short of a genius personnel maneuver. Alas, the sample size remains diminutive. Is Harris a training camp sensation, or will he be a contributor against the NFL’s “A Level” corners when games count in the standings.
Are you a believer…?