Jason Poland
Sports Editor
Penn State was once referred to as the Linebacker University; after Dalton Bell and now Keith Null and possibly in the future Taylor Harris, maybe WTAMU should be referred to as the Quarterback University.
Waiting for his time to start and learning from every opportunity to play, Taylor Harris seems poised to take over the reins of WT’s high octane, explosive, air-it-out offense starting next season.
Harris’ patience on the sideline seems to have paid big dividends every time that he steps on the field.
“Patience is a virtue,” Harris said. “You just have to wait your turn. Perseverance will pay off.”
During his freshmen campaign Harris was vaulted to the starting line up due to a mid-season injury to Null.
In those games that Harris started, the offense showed no signs of dropping off as Harris threw for 314 yards with four touchdowns against Angelo State.
In his second start, proving that his first start was no fluke, Harris compiled 401 yards through the air and found the end zone three times as WT remained perfect on the season with its win against Central Oklahoma.
On the season, Harris had a passer efficiency rating of 143.58 as he threw for 957 yards and eight touchdowns, to go along with a completion rate of 64.8 percent.
When Harris finally got into a game at the collegiate level, he had to overcome not just the opposing team’s defense, but also his own bout with nerves.
“I was pretty nervous,” Harris said. “Coach Leaf told me that if you do your job and get the ball out of your hands and into the playmakers that it would be alright.”
So far during this season, Harris has completed 27-of-48 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns.
Even though limited, Harris’ ability to perform on the field left a strong impression on WT’s quarterback coach Ryan Leaf.
“Harris knows the offense like the back of his hand,” Leaf said. “He knows where everybody is supposed to be on the field. He has the ability to execute the offense just as it has been executed the last four years. He is like having another coach on the field.”
Harris’ approach to his role in the greater team scheme has allowed him to take full advantage of his opportunities as he approaches practice and every game as though he will get into the game.
“To me I have to take it as though I am the starter,” Harris said. “I’m only one play away from playing. It will help me prepare for next year when I am the starter.”
Even though blessed with a 6’3”, 205lb frame Harris can’t just depend upon his natural talents. He has taken it upon himself to act as a sponge and learn from those around him, like Keith Null and Ryan Leaf.
“He (Null) is like my big brother,” Harris said. “When he does good I can learn from that and when he does something bad we can both learn from it.”
Null’s experiences on the field are not the only ones that have helped to shape Harris’ play on the field.
“His (Leaf) experiences and his ability to relay the message is critical,” Harris said. “His experiences in playing in the pros and at the college level has had a huge influence on me.”
Even though his early success on the field has given WT fans something to think about for the future, Harris would rather be remembered for his actions off the field.
“I would rather it be said that I was more of a good guy than a good football player,” Harris said. “I would rather have a good record than be remembered for my statistics.”
Harris knows that there is more to success than wins and loses.
Playing football is a team game and the team is what is important.
“You have to sacrifice it all for your team,” Harris said. “Do all that you are asked of. If you do that you should be successful.”
