Michael Harrison, promptly known as Tim Brewster’s big project of the fall camp, is the newest member of the position group. From being a wide receiver to a tight end for the Buffaloes, Harrison was quickly thrust into the first-team offence. But actually, he was never supposed to be a tight end. So, what’s the story?
Due to injuries, the room for a tight end was already narrowed down, among which a walk-on from San Francisco, Michael Harrison gained the position. During an interview, Colorado Buff tight end coach Tim Brewster said, “The greatest thing about Mike is that he has totally embraced being a tight end.” He further shared that he is impressed by Harrison’s progress and trusts him.
.@MikeyMHarrison appreciation post 👏 pic.twitter.com/LWeiQj1zZN
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) September 17, 2023
When the idea of becoming a tight end of the Colorado Buffalos was broached by Brewster and the wide receivers coach Brett Bartolone, Harrison was a bit hesitant about it.
But they convinced him that he wouldn’t get a better chance to see the field than this. To which, Harrison agreed, stating “That’s all you want” as a player.
MIKEYYYYYYY @MikeyMHarrison pic.twitter.com/A9buY6xEkv
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) September 17, 2023
In the beginning, the position change was quite hard on Harrison as he never played apart from a wide receiver. But he enjoyed running routes and making the plays down the field, which impressed Brewster as that’s what he was looking for.
The fascinating story of the 22-year-old Michael Harrison as a tight end
Among the numerous talents brought by the Colorado Buffaloes, many of them made headlines, and some became phenomenal NFL players. One such player paving his way up too high is Michael Harrison.
Born on October 19, 2001, in San Francisco, Harrison did his schooling at the St. Ignatius College Prep High School. He played for his college team under coach John Regalia. In his senior year, his team won a league championship with a 6-1 record in the West Catholic League. Harrison was ranked no.10 by the San Jose Mercury News, along with the biggest turnaround season in the Bay Area.
By maintaining a pointer of 3.5 grade in high school, Harrison earned himself a seat at the National Football Foundation Colorado Chapter Academic All-Colorado. He joined the Colorado Buffaloes in 2020. After being a wide receiver for a few years, Harrison became a tight end for the Colorado Buffs and truly smitten everyone with his skills and hard work.
7 catches, 76-yds, 2 TDs AND a game-winning 2-point conversion for @MikeyMHarrison 🐐🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/172Wc9Uvxn
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 17, 2023
Since he became a tight end, he looks like a different player. The reason for that is he began a different weightlifting program with the CU strength staff when he got the news of becoming a tight end. He has already gained around 15 pounds this summer and aims to gain 5 more.
While playing on both offense and special teams, Harrison has impressed everyone with his skills. He did not get a chance to see game action in 2020 but later in 2021, he played 10 games during the season. He recorded 4 special team points with three knockdowns.
In 2022, he played all 12 games of the season and recorded 2 special team points with 9 longest gains, one forced fair catch, and five knockdowns. And in 2023, he played 3 games during the season and recorded a touchdown of two with 19 longest gains for 113 yards.
Transforming from a wide receiver to a tight end can be quite hard, especially with the coaching which is unapologetically strict and tough. However, things worked out for Harrison as he has gotten many first-team reps every now and then.
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