Newspaper Page Text
The Red and B\xY/Between The Hedges • Friday, October 19, 1990 • 3
Vandy specialist second in all-purpose yardage
By MATTHEW BROWN
Contributing Writer
John Kasay and Scot Armstrong
had better be wary of recent his
tory when they take the home field
Saturday against Vanderbilt.
What will the history books tell
the Georgia place-kicker and
punter? Only that the Commo
dores’ kick-return specialist, junior
Corey Harris, loves returning kicks
against the Bulldog special teams.
Last year, Harris returned a
punt 60 yards for a touchdown in
Nashville, Tenn. In 1988, he took a
kick-off 72 yards at Sanford Sta
dium.
What is it about playing against
UGA that brings out the best in the
Vanderbilt offensive standout?
“I really don’t think I’m any
better against Georgia than any
other team,” Harris said.” “I’ve just
had some good holes and better op-
rtunities. Last year the ball
unced off me and the Georgia
players may have hesitated, so I
just ran through."
Harris, who last season ranked
in the top five in punt returns,
kick-off returns, and all-purpose
yards in the SEC, was a five-sport
star from the third grade through
the ninth grade, when he decided
to stick with football. He did not
have the greatest of fortunes his
first three seasons in high school.
His team went 5-15 his first two
years. However, his junior year,
the team went 7-4, but Harris suf
fered a knee injury in the fifth
game and missed the rest of the
year. The tailback finally had good
luck his senior year as his squad
finished the season at 12-1.
“It’s ironic that I am once again
in a situation with a team that is
rebuilding here at Vanderbilt.
Hopefully I can help the football
program get back on its feet.”
Another irony that involves
Harris is that he is from Indianap
olis, Ind., and his football idol
growing up was current Indianap
olis Colts running back Eric Dick
erson.
“I have always liked tailbacks. I
grew up a fan of the good tailback-
oriented teams in the south such as
Georgia and Auburn."
So why Vanderbilt as opposed to
any other school, especially since
he grew up in Big Ten country?
“It was mainly because of the ed
ucational possibilities,” Harris
said. “Also it was a chance to play
in what is probably the best toot-
ball conference in the country (the
SEC).” Harris currently ranks
second in the SEC in all-purpose
yardage with 110 yards per game.
“I consider myself a finesse, yet
intense ballplayer," Harris said.
‘Ill work hard, but in a relaxed
manner. I try not to show my emo
tions on the field.”
Harris once again has to contend
with the strong foot of John Kasay.
“I’m not expecting him to give me
any easy balls to handle, if he does
his job right. If he tries too hard, he
has a tendency to line drive the
ball. If he just swings naturally, he
can put it in the end zone.” Harris
may add to his totals Saturday
since Georgia gives up an average
of 27 yards per kick-off return.
‘There is one sure fire way to de
fense him, and that is to boot the
ball in the end zone,” Bulldogs’ de
fensive kicking coach Steve Greer
said.
“Corey’s a great player with a lot
of ability. He has the potential to
make the big play for us with his
great speed and size,” Vanderbilt
offensive coordinator Steve Sloan
said." Coming into this season,
Harris ranked ninth in Vandy his
tory in kick-off return yards.
With the high number of juniors
that entered the latest NFL draft,
does this possibilty appeal to
Harris? “Definitly not! I have read
that only about three percent of the
college seniors actually sign pro
contracts," Harris said.
Hopefully, the Dogs can put
some points on the board Saturday.
If so, keep vour eye on number 2 in
white to look to break number
three against UGA. Does Harris
think he will do it? “Who knows? If _ .. , . . . , _
I get the opportunity you bet ill Corey Harris: Vandy returner takes punt 60 yards for
*'?•" touchdown against Georgia last season in Nashville.
EHEESim
GIANT SEL L OUT
ONE DOLLAR
RECORD & CASSETTE
SATURDAY SUNDAY
11 to 6 1 to 6
DON’T MISS THIS ONE
LOADS OF NEW STUFF
Fall Hours For Main Store:
MON.-SAT..IO-8 - SUN.* 1-6
1-1 B-
' arT'L = Ji
nautica
= CCHMin'
I ^ihsons
' MEN SWEAR
548-4663
BEECHWOOD SHOPPING CENTER
nautica.
POSTGAME PARTY
1 Free Drink w/ Ga. Ticket Stub
u*
\\.. -. v b"
354-7985
3329 Lexington Rd
Across from Shoney s
Hwy 78 /.
on the east sido of town L
mf?
■ Ldi
• Billiards • Foosball
• Dart Boards • Basketball Game
• Big Screen TV • Video Games
Valid Game Day Only. Limited to one per person
• Outside Activities
• Nightly Specials
MUST BE 21
SHE
HAIR DESIGNERS
IniFiiH Oimplnr Mftn /or A»A Mm t M7mm
Perfect for Homecoming
Perfect in Every Detail
• Perms • Relaxers • Color
• Lightners • Manicures • Pedicures
• Sculptured Nails • Facials • Waxing
• Make Up • Walk Ins Welcome
• Gift Certificates Available
□ rAVwr Lj ^ □
Call lor details on our in Salon
■^^dcmonsUationsJoryournmup
VrVTVT^^m r-VM A Ul. 1 ■ 1.1.1 ■
m
WV Proudly Presents
2 BRICKS SHY
Every Tues. - Thurs
At Quality Inn History Village
546-0410
FRIDAY: Magic 102
FIRE UP THE
DAWGS!!! ea
•rrnTrri-i’i-TS-i-rri-ri-T-rr-i-n’n’r-m-iTrn’i-TTTi-r-Yi-nT’i’Tri-T’fVTTfYi
FRIDAY & FRANK SORROW & THE ECHOS
SATURDAY
Nightly Drink Specials