DaJohn Harris beats the odds for roster spot

Six months ago, defensive tackle DaJohn Harris thought his football career might be over.

Today, he’s preparing for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots after becoming perhaps the most surprising selection to the Titans’ 53-man roster.

“To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect coming into camp,” said Harris, an undrafted free agent out of the University of Southern California.

“I knew we had a lot of good guys on the defensive line, but I’m pretty confident in my ability and I know I can play at this level.”

Harris was considered a player likely to be drafted until late February, when doctors found a small hole in his heart, due to a condition known as patent foramen ovale. He was unable to work out at the NFL Combine, and it was only later – after getting clearance from other doctors – that he was able to do individual workouts for teams.

“You know, that (condition) was one of the things I had to do research on to really figute out what exactly it meant,” Harris said. “I went to several doctors and got similar answers in some places, and in other places I got different answers.

“I Just thought to myself, `Man, this is another obstacle I gotta’ overcome, something that’s trying to knock me back.’ I just tried to stay strong and tried to fight it.”

Harris, a former USC teammate of Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey, said he tried to stay calm as final cuts approached. In the end, he wound up beating out 2011 seventh-round pick Zach Clayton for a spot.

“Honestly, I just tried to clear my mind, keep my phone available and then don’t worry about it,” Harris said. “I’m a firm believer in God and I know God plays a role in my life. I leave it to Him and whatever He decides, that’s what it’s going to be.”

Source: Titans Insider