CHAPEL HILL, N.C. –– Like UNC’s valiant edge rusher Kaimon Rucker, who was recently named to the 2024 Bednarik Award Watch List, Joshua Harris Sr. is time-motivated as the pair head into their final year of college eligibility.
Plagued by a negative reputation and being on the receiving end of years-long ridicule for the struggling defense has made the group eager to turn the tide and prove their worth.
That task isn’t an easy one however, and for Harris he has even more reasons to go all out and perform, just one last time.
The fifth-year defensive lineman isn’t just preparing for his final season of college eligibility—he is also bracing for the arrival of his third baby. He and his wife Taylor, who are both from Roxboro, N.C., already have three-year old Aylah June and Joshua Jr. and are expecting baby #3 towards the end of the season.
The veteran transfer, who played for both N.C. State and Ole Miss, committed to the Tar Heels in April. And with his college expiration date looming, this season means a fresh sense of purpose as he hopes to make the move to the NFL.
“A lot of people talk about how hard it is,” Harris said. “But when I go home, no matter how bad of a day I have, when I go home and I see my two kids jumping up and down, so excited to see me, it brightens my whole day. It brightens my whole mood. It has its pros and cons like everything else, but it motivates me. It just brings me joy.”
With his time winding down Harris and the rest of the defensive unit are keen on telling a different story.
“What we have now has nothing to do with the past,” Harris said when asked about
expectations for this year’s defense.
Along with playing the piano, watching Carolina football under Larry Fedora was something Harris always did in his free time.
“I just think we’re gonna be special,” he continued before naming off guys like Rucker, Desmond Evans, KJ Hester and Beau Atkinson as “gamechangers”.
Since arriving, Harris has added depth to the defensive line and has also emerged as a much-needed, and playful leader both on and off the field.
Coaches and players have nothing but good things to say about Harris, who can often be found encouraging some of the younger guys and offering advice. Sometimes, he’s even showing videos from his piano-playing days—a side venture he’s put a pause on since football and being a dad became more time-consuming.
Head coach Mack Brown and defensive coordinator Geoff Collins had their share of accolades for Harris as well – noting his ability to “mesh well with” and get through to the guys.
“We’re getting betterrrrr!” has been Harris’ go-to phrase, his voice booming across the Bill Koman Practice Facility in a manner that has landed well on his teammates.
“He’s one hell of a football player, but he’s also a really, really personable guy,” said redshirt freshman linebacker Caleb LaVallee. “He’s always in a great mood, always smiling, always making jokes. It’s awesome that we were able to have him, not just for his football skills but how he is in the locker room.”
With all the experience he’s had, the question of what’s left to learn rings in the air, but defensive line coach Ted Monachino said that Harris’ experience has made his job easier.
“What I try to do, especially with a veteran player, is add some tools to the toolbox. Technique is technique and Josh has a lot of those mastered. The little things that I can add are from a leverage standpoint, from a hand target standpoint,” said Monachino. “Even the little things in pass rush, those are the things I’m really working with Josh on. The biggest thing is adding a bit more detail to what he’s already doing really well.”
As the Tar Heels aim to bolster their defensive performance this season, the spotlight falls on Harris to translate his leadership qualities and skills into tangible on-field results for the unit. And with the continued growth of his family, his reasons for actualizing that success are essential to his future.
“I feel like I gotta get this now,” he said. “Fatherhood helps me have more of a purpose to what I’m doing. I have somebody I have to provide for now. I’m not just doing this for me.”
Whether it’s at home with his kids or supporting his teammates, ingrained in his psyche is the notion that leaders can’t have bad days.
Harris feels as though he needs to bring it everyday and his upward momentum indicates that he could be the key to revitalizing the program.