Broncos tackle Ryan Harris, a rookie from Notre Dame and second-round draft pick, had hoped playing for offensive guru Charlie Weis in South Bend would make his adjustment to the pro game easier.
Thankfully it has, Harris said.
Weis, of course, was offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots before returning to his alma mater prior to the 2005 season. Harris played left tackle for the Irish.
“Coach Weis, in so many aspects, prepared me for the NFL,” Harris said. “We had a very similar playbook. Similar calls, similar responsibilities, similar schedules.
“He always said, ‘Practice like a pro.’ That’s definitely prepared me.”
The biggest challenge is adjusting to the speed of the pro game, said Harris, a 6-foot-5, 292-pounder from Saint Paul, Minn.
“These guys are all fast and strong,” Harris said. “If you’re off in the slightest bit with your technique, they’ve got you on that play.
“But that’s the fun part, too. I’m a competitor. That challenge keeps me focused.”
Harris, who always has been interested in politics, told reporters on draft day that he aspired to become the governor of Minnesota someday. He thought his Broncos teammates might call him “Guv” after seeing his quotes.
They had other ideas.
“The guys call me ‘Baby Face,’ that’s the nickname going on right now,” Harris said. “Hopefully, I can prove myself and that nickname will go away.”
Staff Writer Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
