Story from Mercury News, Lots of quotes from Josh
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercuryn ... 997.htm?1c
Harris happy back(up) with Browns
TOM WITHERS
Associated Press
BEREA, Ohio - Two whirlwind days and a tough decision later, rookie quarterback Josh Harris found himself in surroundings that were both strange and strangely comforting.
"Back in Ohio," the former Bowling Green star said Wednesday with a smile. "Back wearing the brown and orange."
Desperate for a backup quarterback, the Cleveland Browns signed Harris on Tuesday, swiping him from Baltimore's practice squad when the Ravens couldn't find a spot for the sixth-round pick on their active roster.
Harris, who threw for 7,503 yards and 55 touchdowns and rushed for 43 more TDs with the Falcons, was contacted on Monday by the Browns, who still don't know if Kelly Holcomb or Luke McCown will start this week against the San Diego Chargers.
Harris could have turned down the Browns' offer and remained on Baltimore's practice squad, but with a chance to possibly play this season and compete for Cleveland's starting job next year, he decided to sign with the Browns.
"I wouldn't have made it if I didn't think it was a good career move," he said. "I think this is a good situation for me. I decided it was a better business move to go ahead and come here and compete here."
Following his first practice with the Browns, Harris wore a Bowling Green T-shirt as he met with reporters. Asked if that was his college helmet, which has the identical striping as the Browns', hanging in his locker, Harris said, "It might as well be."
The Browns brought Harris in for an interview and workout before April's draft. They were impressed with the 6-foot-1, 238-pounder's skills and smarts, and for a while, Harris thought he might be selected by Cleveland, which chose McCown in the fourth round instead.
"I did think they might draft me," Harris said. "One thing I've learned this year is you cannot figure out the NFL, so don't try."
Harris' next task is to quickly conquer the Browns' playbook. If Holcomb can't play because of cracked ribs, McCown would make his third start and Harris would be the club's No. 2 QB against the Chargers.
Interim coach Terry Robiskie has been impressed with Harris' learning curve.
"He's a pretty sharp guy," Robiskie said. "He's got some good zip on the ball and he has picked things up pretty fast."
While Harris' ascent to NFL stardom hasn't been as quick as Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger, he could one day add his name to the list of Mid-American Conference quarterbacks who have made their mark in the pros.
Players from the MAC are no longer looked down upon because of their size or the quality of competition. Harris thinks NFL teams might want to take a closer look the next time they pass on guys from Miami of Ohio, Bowling Green or Marshall.
"They have to," he said. "If they don't they're just going to miss out on some players. They're going to continue to miss guys."
The Browns are getting a second chance at Harris, who can't commit to playing in NFL Europe because his wife, Tami, is due with their first child in May.
By then, the Browns will have a new general manager, a new coach and perhaps even a new quarterback. Harris might not be the favorite, but now that he's back in Ohio, he wouldn't mind staying.
"I can see myself here, but it's not up to me," Harris said. "If I continue to play ball, and improve daily, then anything is possible."
Harris, who is from Westerville, a Columbus suburb, said he's gotten several phone calls since signing with the Browns.
"I have heard from some friends and family and they're like, 'Is it true? Is it true?'" Harris said. "I told them all yes, with a smile on my face."
I like the mercurynews.com one best so far, though I LOVE his quote at the end of this article:
