Mohamed Sanu is still learning the New England Patriots’ system, but that hasn’t held him back from mentoring rookie wideout N’Keal Harry.
Sanu told reporters shortly after arriving in New England that he was teaching Harry some intricacies about playing receiver in the league. Both Sanu and Harry are over 6 foot 2 and they both have the talent to catch passes over most defensive backs.
Harry is the only wide receiver to get drafted in the first round by Bill Belichick, so it’s already known that he’s extremely talented. Sanu continued his mentorship role on Thursday while speaking with reporters.
“He’s been around for a little bit,” Sanu said. “You’ve just got to go out and let him have fun. Don’t let him think too much of it. I know it’s his first NFL game and whatever; he’s going to feel what he’s going to feel. But let him go out there, have fun and play football.
“He’s a special kid. Go ahead and be himself and let his abilities take over. Don’t think too much. Have fun. He’ll be good.”
Sanu put a huge emphasis on being relaxed and not overthinking, even though it’s his first game in the NFL.
“If you don’t understand it, you’ve got to think,” Sanu said. “So you’ve got to make sure you understand it and get up to speed so when you go out there, you don’t think. Because when you’re thinking, you’re a step behind, a step late, a miss here or there. That’s when bad stuff happens.”
He even took some time to reflect back on his first NFL game.
“It was Monday night versus the Ravens,” Sanu said. “My first game, I dressed up. I didn’t really play much, but we got whooped pretty good. Ray Lewis came out, and I’m sitting there like, ‘Man, this is insane.’ But it was different. I don’t know what it’s going to be like for (Harry), but for me, I got in at the end a little bit, played some plays, gave it all I had.
It’s still unknown whether or not Harry will make his debut in Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he definitely has the right support system around him for when he is ready.
