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Temple Tough

Dominique Harris is a big time player for the Temple defense. His play-making abilities have earned him a reputation around the MAC.

By Jeff Glatzer

Updated: September 24, 2009

Rangy, physical, strong, intelligent, - These are some of the adjectives that aptly describe Temple's leader of the Owl defense, Dominique Harris. He is difference maker in the Temple secondary.

At 6'2" and 215 pounds , he has the lean frame for the position at which he has demonstrated proficiency. He has great range in the defensive backfield, swarming around and bringing opponents down with efficient tackling.

Harris has good mental make-up for the game. He practices and works hard to improve his technique in every game. The Owls run a 4-3 base with a multiple scheme that suits and optimizes Harris' abilities.

He tracks the ball extremely well utilizing his range, long arms and good hands. He has the tendency to be sneaky fast in some multiple looks against the run and in safety blitzes in getting to the quarterback.

"I think the strongest aspect of [his] game is his range. Both in the post and in playing cover two as well," states Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator Mark D'Onofrio.

Physicality is the strongest aspect of Harris' game. Coach D'Onofrio explains the kind of presence Harris brings to the Owl defense. "He's physical, he's very physical. He can hit you. He'll definitely strike you. He uses all of his size as far as being a tackler. He practices everyday like that."

Harris is a 2005 graduate of H.D. Woodson high school and was the Washington Post All-DCIAA East safety under head coach Greg Fuller in 2004. He played in the DCIAA All-Star Game and the 2004 DCIAA Turkey Bowl championship game as an Honor Roll student.

He has been voted team captain by his teammates and is a preseason Honorable Mention All-MAC selection by Phil Steele's College Football. He was Temple Athletics' male nominee for the Academic Momentum Award.

In 2008, he started all 12 games at strong safety. He finished with 66 tackles, a team-best three interceptions, a team-best three forced fumbles, three breakups, and two fumble recoveries. In the win over Ohio, he recorded three solo tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Harris takes a professional approach in the classroom. He asks good questions and in the film room as well, where he refines his instincts and preparation. He demonstrates his leadership everyday by doing the right things to prepare for a game and being a vocal leader.

Harris a fifth year senior, who graduated last May with a major in criminal justice, is now pursuing his master's degree in liberal arts.

He is the recipient of the Athletic Dept.'s 2009 Temple Teammates Community Service Award, given to student-athletes who have demonstrated leadership qualities in the area of community service, inspiring others to engage in similar selfless civic endeavors for the purpose of improving the quality of life for those in the local community.

His maturity level has increased this season as well. His mental discipline has helped his teammates rally around him on the field and in the locker room. He is active in the community as one of the best representatives of the Owl football program. Coach D'Oonofrio admits proudly that Harris is great for the community.

"He's one of our best as far as community service and he's at the forefront of those events and he's done a great job at that as well. He's really a great kid. You'd be proud to have him as a son."

If the Owls can pull together collectively and work as hard as Harris does as a team, they have a good chance to do some damage this year in the MAC.

As for Harris, if he keeps his focus on team goals and on the field individual improvement, he may help himself at getting recognized for his football assets next spring.