San Francisco 49ers rookie cornerback Tim Harris says he remembers meeting Richard Sherman at the Michael Robinson Camp when he was entering his freshman year at Virginia. Sherman had never seen him play before but was impressed enough from what he saw to tell the young defensive back that he had a chance to play in the NFL.
Years later, the two are teammates.
Harris was the final selection of the 49ers' 2019 draft class, and Sherman joined the team last offseason. The two had a chance to briefly talk football at that 2013 camp, but Harris remembers the conversation mostly involving life topics and lessons.
Going forward, Harris will have an opportunity to talk a lot of football with Sherman. The two ran into each other at the team's facilities when the 49ers hosted Harris on a pre-draft visit. Sherman, among others, happened to be in the building and the two reunited.
"I know he's a smart football player," Harris said of Sherman last week. "He always knows where to be. I'm going to try to learn as much as I can from him, just because of the type of player he is. I'm just ready to come in and learn from the best."
Six years of college football may sound like a lot. Harris had to deal with two separate season-ending injuries and didn't want to end his college career like that. He was granted a sixth year of eligibility so he could finish his collegiate career right.
The multiple setbacks were tough on Harris.
"Especially after my second injury, it was a tough time for me," Harris told reporters. "In 2016, I hurt my shoulder. Then in 2017, I came back and hurt my wrist, both in the [first game of the season], both season-ending injuries.
"I just put it aside, and I just don't want to live 10 years down the road regretting my decision and not coming back and playing, and having this opportunity to come here. I think, honestly, it benefitted me going down the road."
Harris recorded 36 combined tackles, two interceptions, and four passes defensed through 11 games in his final season with the Cavaliers.
Harris has put his injury history behind him and is looking forward to proving himself on NFL playing fields. He doesn't believe he should be labeled as injury-prone either.
"I feel like the injuries I had [were] freak accidents, but they don't affect me now," Harris added.
The rookie cornerback believes the adversity he has overcome has made him mentally tough. It's something Harris feels will benefit him in the NFL. He is ready to go up against the best.
"I went through a lot of adversity, and I got to fulfill my dream," Harris said. "I'm here now."
