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HOMETOWN REPORT Harmon Hops Into Prominence

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By JOEY JOHNSTON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 10, 2007

Junior tight end Jason Harmon has leaped into prominence for Florida Atlantic University.

Literally.

His signature move is called the "Harmon Hop." At first, the name was quickly given by a teammate at FAU's preseason scrimmage. Then Harmon did it during a game. It happened again. And again.

Harmon, a 6-foot-3, 210-pounder from Riverview High, is built like a wide receiver, but fits FAU's mold for a sleek, athletic tight end. While breaking free into the secondary, he has displayed that physical ability.

By jumping over would-be tacklers.

"Some of those guys come up to me after the game and they're like, 'How did you do that?'" said Harmon, who has 40 receptions for 583 yards and three touchdowns after being listed as a backup before the season. "They're just shocked, like it never happened to them before."

Harmon, whose vertical leap has been measured at 36 inches, said his hop isn't planned. It's all instinct, a natural reaction to tacklers who often try to go low.

"It's not something we talk about or advocate, but it has worked," FAU tight ends coach Joe Corozza said. "He's a big, tough kid. He's able to lower his shoulder and run over you. And he has already proven he can jump over you.

"Jason has tremendous hands. He has a knack for catching it in a crowd. He plays with a lot of confidence and really enjoys practice. We like him."

Nothing new there.

FAU has been high on Harmon's ability since signing him in 2005. Harmon, a basketball and baseball player who was considered a draft prospect in center field, had interest in staying home to play for USF, but the Bulls wanted him as a safety.

Harmon felt more comfortable catching passes, not delivering hits.

But even he didn't envision a college career as an undersized tight end.

Harmon said he runs the routes associated with the wide receiver position - including takeoffs and deep posts. The biggest adjustment, understandably, has been blocking. Specifically, the size of the opponents (sometimes 60 pounds heavier) of the players he is asked to block.

"I'm a receiver at heart," said Harmon, who had five receptions for 104 yards against Minnesota. "But this position is where I fit best in this offense. I don't have a problem with it. I think I have gotten better."

Harmon is delighted how things have progressed for the Owls (4-4, 3-1 Sun Belt Conference), although the 33-30 OT loss to Louisiana-Monroe on Oct. 27 may prove costly.

FAU, which faces Arkansas State today at Lockhart Stadium, could be headed for a Dec. 1 showdown with Troy (6-3, 5-0; only losses to Arkansas, Florida and Georgia). The Sun Belt champ gets a bid to the New Orleans Bowl.

"That bowl would be great for this program," he said.

Another step forward.

Or maybe a leap?

ODDS AND ENDS: Washington and Lee volleyball player Rachael Phillips (Tampa Prep), a sophomore outside hitter, was named to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference first team, while senior right side hitter Jess Hudock (Holy Names) was second team. ... Bethune-Cookman senior LB Ronnie McCullough (Hillsborough) had a career-high 23 tackles against Hampton to earn Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors. McCullough has three games with 20 or more tackles this season. ... Virginia senior volleyball player Sarah Kirkwood (Plant) was named to ESPN The Magazine's Academic All-District Team for the third time.

Reporter Joey Johnston can be reached at (813) 259-7353 or jjohnston@tampatrib.com.

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