From the coaching staff's plan to his offseason routine, how Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison added nearly 20 pounds en route to a position change.
defensive lineman Zach Harrison returned to Columbus, Ohio, for his summer training, he ate copious amounts of Chipotle and Greek-based Gyros -- with double meat and tzatziki sauce, he'll tell you.How often was that? Enough to change positions entering his second professional season on Atlanta's defensive line.
But Rodgers also saw a body he'd grown familiar with at prior coaching stops with the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Chargers. He showed Harrison the blueprint, and Harrison bought in. So, Harrison ate, worked out, ate, worked out, and continued the process over and over again until the scale showed what he and the Falcons hoped. He tried to work out twice a day -- but there's a fine line, he said.
The parties reached a number. Harrison reached for a menu -- and always followed by reaching for weights. As a result, Harrison was oversized and unnecessary as an edge player, and with his build proving capable of holding more weight, Atlanta believes he fits better as an interior defender in a 3-4 scheme.
Beyond learning how to play at his new size, Harrison is navigating through a steep mental adjustment as well. Rodgers said he and the staff give recommendations about what they feel will ultimately help the player's game -- such as adding weight -- but some curves are steeper than others. Harrison added he feels powerful and believes the extra weight is helping him out. And while he's still learning the intricacies of life on the inside of NFL defensive lines, he feels confident his retooled body is fit for success -- both individually and for the team.
Harrison's strong finish to the season didn't go unnoticed by Atlanta's new coaching staff. Morris views Harrison as a legitimate piece on the team's defensive line and is excited about what he brings. Morris added the Falcons have a plethora of defensive linemen who excite him, including Ta'Quon Graham. Smith-Williams noted the depth and variation within Atlanta's interior defensive line, dubbing it an impressive group that's fun to rush with.
"He's a great player, just for his size and being able to move the way he does," Ebiketie said. "Think the sky is the limit for him."
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