2013 Dallas Cowboys Prospects: “The Guys No One Is Talking About” WR

Continuing my ongoing series “The Guys No One is Talking about”, I am moving on to the wide receiver position. With all of the questions surrounding Miles Austins ability to stay healthy and his pricey contract it wouldn’t hurt to have a big, physical and speedy deep/redzone threat on the team.

Nov 29, 2012; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Mark Harrison (81) runs for a long pass during the second half against Louisville Cardinals cornerback Jordon Paschal (22) at High Point Solutions Stadium. Louisville Cardinals defeat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Mark Harrison, WR

Height/Weight: 6-3 231

4.46 40, 38.5″ vertical jump. 4.33 shuttle

School: Rutgers | Conference: BIGE

College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Stratford, CT

Harrison has the size, speed, and vertical leaping ability all scouts look for. He has strong hands and knows how to use his big frame to shield defenders from the ball. He has good feet and lateral ability. He is a strong runner and hard to tackle in the open field because of his ability to break tackles. He helps QB’s by coming back for the football. If you combine his height, arrm length and vertical leaping abilty he can go up and catch a pass that’s over 12′ in the air. There are not too many NFL CB’s that can beat him on the jump ball making him a deadly red zone threat.

He didn’t have a stud QB at Rutgers and the offensive line was suspect which didn’t help his numbers. If you just look at his stats you wouldn’t be impressed. When watching him on tape, I was impressed with his physical style of play and his athletic ability. I think with some NFL level coaching and a better QB he has the potential to be a “Megatron” type receiver. Either way as a late round to undrafted prospect the potential outweighs the risk.

I included an interview in an article by By Conor Orr/The Star-Ledger

INDIANAPOLIS — Mark Harrison has met with 12 teams so far, including the Packers, and gets the same question every time.

"“What am I going to offer as a player? What can I bring to their team and organization,” he said.His answer: “They’re going to get a big wide receiver that can go up top and make big plays.”"

He said he can hear Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall’s voice in his head with every route he runs. The two have been working out together in the offseason and Marshall, who is of comparable size, has been helping him develop his game.

"“A lot of coaches want to see me catch the ball, and that’s what I’m going to do,” he said."

Harrison also sought out some help from former teammate and current Bengals wideout Mohamed Sanu, calling him a few minutes before his combine media session this afternoon.

"“He told me to stay focused and lock in — do the little things, stretch at night, be so prepared out there that you leave everything on the field,” he said."

He hasn’t had time to track down Greg Schiano just yet, though.

According to NFL Draft Tracker

Nov 29, 2012; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Mark Harrison (81) gets by Louisville Cardinals safety Calvin Pryor (25) for the touchdown during the first half at High Point Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

In high school, Harrison was a three-time letter winner, who started for two seasons at wide receiver and averaged an astonishing 27.4 yards per catch. Harrison won two state championships, and was an All-State selection in his senior season. Harrison also ran track and was named Connecticut Post First Team Spring All-Star in his senior season.

As a true freshman, Harrison appeared in eight games, making his debut against Howard. His first career touchdown reception went for 20 yards at Connecticut. In 2010, Harrison had a breakout season with 829 yards receiving and nine touchdowns on 44 receptions. Harrison posted a receiving touchdown in six of the final eight games of the season and recorded second-best receiving day in Rutgers history with 240 yards receiving on 10 receptions and four touchdowns against Cincinnati. He was voted Offensive Most Valuable Player at team awards banquet. In his junior season, Harrison appeared in 12 games, missing one due to a head injury. He only caught 14 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns. In his senior year, Harrison caught 44 passes for 583 yards and six touchdowns.

Your entitled to your opinion, but I think for a “Guy No One Is Talking About” the Cowboys should at least bring him in for a look.

I included some video. I hope you enjoy watching him play as much as I did.