Patriots Rookie DB, Duron Harmon Interview

In the 2013 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots used one of their third round picks on former Rutgers defensive back, Duron Harmon. This was a surprise to many analysts and media members. He played four years during his time at Rutgers and was a great and versatile safety for the Scarlet Knights. In our interview, Harmon talks about his pre-draft experiences, such as his Pro Day to his teammates on the Patriots to how his time has been so far with the Patriots organization. Check out our exclusive interview.

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Special shout out and thank you to our loyal reader, Lovell Sudler Follow @Omega_Veff for suggesting that we conduct an interview with Patriots defensive back, Duron Harmon.

Strauss: Looking back, do you have a favorite memory from your time there?

Harmon: I would say the best memory was at our banquet. [It was] realizing that all the hard work we put in, we actually won the Big East title. I can’t really pick out a game because we ended the year on a three game losing streak, but we still got a share of the Big East title, but the banquet where we realized we were Big East champions.

Strauss: You were All-Big East not once, but twice. How did it feel to be recognized by your conference both years?

Harmon: It was a blessing. Anytime that you go out there and you put your body on the line, and people recognize your play, it’s nothing but a blessing. Football is a very physical sport. I’m excited that what I did on the field was enough to get peoples’ attention to recognize me as an All-Conference player.

Strauss: After your senior season, every player goes through a training process for the NFL Draft. What was that training process like for you?

Harmon: It was a great process. I actually got train down in Miami with TEST Football Academy. I went there literally right after the season and worked with some great people. I worked with Sam Madison who played for the Dolphins and the Giants. I also got to work with Ato Boldon as my speed coach, who was a track sprinter for Olympics. The staff as well, both Brian Martin and Kevin Dunn definitely helped prepare my body for my Pro Day, which I felt like was solid.

Strauss: Talk more about your Pro Day experience and what that was like for you…

Harmon: It was a great experience. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. There were all 32 teams there. I had the opportunity to go in and do well for all my numbers and things like that. The only thing that happened was on my second forty, I strained my hamstring running to the finish line, but that time was still a 4.58 so it showed that I did have speed. Like I said, it was a great process and I was excited to be able to do that because not everybody gets that opportunity.

Strauss: Another opportunity not many people get is, you got drafted into the NFL. Talk about your draft weekend experience. What were your emotions like when you found out you were going to be the Patriots’ third round pick, 91st overall for the New England?

Harmon: Before the Draft, my mother and I were talking and we decided we were putting everything in G-d’s hands and that’s all I did. I went, and watched the draft. I’ve seen it many times, but I watched it as a fan with no worries. As a person who was excited to be in that position and whenever my name gets called, it gets called. My family was all asleep and my friends were over and then I got the phone call. I was like, “Wow!! This is really happening.” Just like anybody else, I was as excited as I could be. It was probably the second happiest day of my life, my first was my son being born. It was a great day, but I’m just excited to be in this position to be drafted to a great organization like the Patriots.

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Strauss: Growing up in Delaware and attending college in the Northeast at Rutgers, what’s it like being a member of the New England Patriots?

Harmon: It’s a blessing. Ever since I was little and Coach Belichick got to the Patriots, you always saw them winning. Being a part of an organization that has won so many games over such a long period of time is very rare. To be able to partake in that, and do my best to help them is such a great feeling.

Strauss: Currently there are eight Rutgers players on the roster. You’re teaming up with Devin McCourty, Logan Ryan, Brandon Logan in the secondary. What does that mean to you?

Harmon: It’s great to have people who you’re familiar with and to go through the process with. But we all know that for us to make this squad, we all have to do what we have to do. We have to all take care of our own business, and just because I know Devin McCourty does not mean that I will make the roster. Just because I know Justin Francis or Logan Ryan, that’s not going to win me favors in Coach Belichick’s eyes. All I have to do is just continue working on me becoming a great player, and helping the Patriots, and the [other Rutgers players] have to do that as well.

Strauss: For a fan who maybe hasn’t seen much of your film at Rutgers, how would you describe your style of play and what you bring to the Patriots organization?

Harmon: I am a well-rounded safety. I can play in the box, and I’m an intelligent football player. I am somebody who loves watching film and learning new things about football and things like that. I think that’s what helped me and put me in this spot today.

Strauss: If you could describe yourself as any ice cream flavor, what would you be and why?

Harmon: Hmm.. That’s a good one. I would probably have to say vanilla because I’m really laid back and chill. I’m not a person who likes too much excitement. I’m someone who likes to sit back and take life for what it is.

Strauss: For someone who wants to play in the NFL, what advice would you give to them?

Harmon: Don’t listen to any negative talk. I’m from Delaware, and I remember people used to tell me that I would never make it in the NFL because I was from Delaware. They said you’d be lucky to just get a Division 1 scholarship. For all the negative talk, just don’t listen to it. Get better at your craft. Whatever you want to do, just do it. It was my decision that I wanted to be an NFL player eventually, and I made it upon myself that I would get there one day.

Strauss: Right now, the Patriots aren’t using jersey numbers. What’s that environment like for you?

Harmon: It’s great. It makes me get to know my teammates, not by numbers, but by faces. I think that is a great philosophy and a great tool for teammates to become closer and get to know each other more.

Strauss : Thank you so much for your time Duron. I really appreciate it.

Harmon : No problem. Thank you.

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