Well, it’s finally happened. Rookie returns specialist Deonte Harris started the summer with a tough road to making the New Orleans Saints’ roster, but he may have just locked up a spot on it against the New York Jets on Saturday night.
Harris has looked impressive when returning both punts and kickoffs throughout the preseason, but a punt late in the fourth quarter set him for a standout 79-yard punt return touchdown. The rookie out of Assumption College set NCAA records for his efforts on special teams, and his talents were on full display under the bright lights at MetLife Stadium.
Harris has been competing for a roster spot with veteran Marcus Sherels, who established his own records for the Minnesota Vikings over much of the last decade. But between his highlight reel-worthy plays and Sherels’ extended absence from Saints training camp practices, Harris may have just closed the book on that contest.
