Harris’ return

Veteran linebacker De’Jon Harris chatted with defensive coordinator John Chavis after the regular season and took that dialogue into consideration when he decided to return for his senior year after requesting a draft evaluation from the NFL advisory board.

Chavis mentioned recently that Harris’ importance in helping teach the schemes to younger players would be a key role this spring, and that he wouldn’t “beat up” the linebacker with overuse in full-contact work.

“It feels good,” Harris said of Chavis’ plan. “We had a talk after the Missouri game and went out to eat. He told me if I was to come back how the spring would go for me. Less contact and more work on the things I got back from the league.”

Harris said his decision was pretty hard.

“It was close,” he said. “It was either I was all in to come back or I was all in the league. I was pretty all in to come back.”

Harris said the recommendation from the NFL board was to work on speed, pass coverage and pass rushing skills.

Coach Chad Morris said Harris’ presence is critical for the Hogs.

“He’s taken on a leadership role he’s been challenged with through Coach Chavis and myself to understand that you are a returning player that’s an all-conference guy, and now we need you to elevate everything you do,” Morris said. “He gets it and he understands it. Not only that but he’s moving better than I’ve ever seen him move right now.”