Ra’Shon Harris, DT

Harris only produced three tackles in his first two seasons in Eugene, but the light started to come on during his junior season. He then stepped up his game as a first-year starter in 2008, making 47 tackles, nine tackles for loss and sacking the opponents' quarterback three times. His ability to take up blockers made everyone on the line more effective. His potential as a interior presence could get him drafted.

Positives: Tall with good build and length inside. … Fair straight-ahead speed when closing on the ball. … Stands up his man and falls off to wrap up backs coming through the hole. … Anchors well to hold up double-team blocks. … Gets great push to collapse the pocket in passing situations, keeps his arms extended and legs churning. … Threat to impact passing lanes and block field goals using his push, height and length. … Big in the weight room.

Negatives: One-year starter. … A bit soft in the middle. … Offensive linemen use his height to their advantage, cutting him down like a tree although he is adequate recovering. … Slow off the snap and takes time to get his body going forward. … Plays with his head down at times, minimizing his awareness. … Needs a stronger punch. … Inconsistent in his push and hustle. … Does not change direction quickly, will get ridden out of plays too easily. … Inconsistent shedding blocks inside even if much bigger than his opponent. … Stamina and work ethic are issues. … Missed first half of the 2006 season with a torn triceps muscle.

The first-year starter finished year as team's 10th-leading tackler and tops among interior linemen in tackles for lost . . . Posted single-game career-high 11 tackles vs. Boise State (8 unassisted) before the 13-game starter added eight stops vs. Stanford . . . Accumulating tackles for loss in six of his final 10 appearances, also recovered fumbles at USC and California . . . Posted 2.5 TFLs at Washington State and added quarterback sacks against the Cougars, Oregon State and Oklahoma State . . . Reached new level of maturity that motivated others to be successful, and emerged as a leader in the weight room . . . Shared team's top bench press pinnacle (415 lbs.) regardless of position in addition to equaling best power clean mark (341 lbs.) among team's defensive linemen.

Made a greater presence as the season wore on as he utilized his size to create an obstacle along the defensive interior. Posted a career-high four tackles (3 unassisted) in the next-to-the-last game of the regular season at UCLA as well as two tackles for loss. Stepped onto the field for 12 of 13 games, including a career-high 45 snaps against the Bruins, to share team's defensive player of the game kudos for his performance in Pasadena.

Was expected to vie for opportunity to provide a major contribution before a torn triceps muscle during fall camp was thought to end the year before it started. Diligently followed his rehabilitation instruction and was able to return for the final six games of the season. Credited with a single-game high two tackles against Portland State in his 06 debut, and logged one quarterback sack for a 10- yard loss vs. Washington. Logged a personal-best 36 snaps in Las Vegas Bowl loss.

Stepped onto the field for all 12 games, yet 10 snaps against California and Oklahoma were his only two in double figures. Was named scout team's defensive player of the week for aiding preparations vs. Washington.

Recognized as scout team's defensive player of the week for aiding preparations heading into game with UCLA.

High School (Coach): Pittsburg (Sly Hunter) 2004. Rated among the top 50 prep prospects in California by SuperPrep magazine as well as one of the best 11 defensive linemen in the state. The two-time all-Bay Valley League defender possessed the proficiency to force opponents to devise game plans around him. The two-time all-area honoree (Contra Costa Times) and Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 pick led the league in quarterback sacks (five) in addition to forcing one fumble and recovering another. Completed his prep career with 15 quarterback sacks.

Born Ra'Shon Lamar Harris on Aug. 26, 1986 in Pensicola, Fla. Parents: Ray Harris Jr. and Yvetta Williams. Family: Two brothers.