Issue date: 10/17/09 Section: Sports

Flashback 23 years ago to 1986 when Danny Holmes broke the Southwestern College single season rushing record with 1,024 yards. That record was untouchable…then came Aaron Harris.

Harris shattered the 23-year-old record this season with 1,169 yards on 200 carries.

He also broke Kenslow Smith's record for rushing touchdowns set just last year. Harris had 14 this season.

The humble freshman was quick to share credit.

"I wasn't expecting to do this good," he said. "As my O-line progressed, I progressed."

Coming into this season Harris had big shoes to fill. Smith was one of the greatest running backs in school history.

Little did coaches and fans know, there was another great running back in the wings.

Harris was awarded with a unanimous First Team All Conference selection. This selection was a surprise to Harris, who at the time of the interview said he had no idea about it.

Assistant coach George Jackson said he knew Harris was going to be something special from the very beginning.

"I knew about him coming into the season," said Jackson. "When we started, I was just in complete awe of his ability. The things he would do in practice would just blow me away. It was nothing I had seen other guys do."

When he attended Granite Hills High School, Harris played football, basketball and ran track and field. He had many options when it came to picking a college. For him, the only option was SWC.

"A lot of other schools I looked at, the coaches don't care about their players," he said. "Coach Carberry cares more about the players than he does himself. You can ask anyone and they will tell you that."

It was clear to see that the coach Harris has bonded with the most is Coach Jackson. Jackson and Harris joked around with each other like they were old friends, the respect they both have for one another is obvious.

"He is the hardest-working running back we have ever had," Jackson said. "He took us to a whole other level."

"Coach Jackson is the greatest coach I have ever had," said Harris.

The season ended with an overall record of 4-6, the men tasted the sweet taste of victory, and the bitter taste of defeat, when asked about the season Harris had no hard feelings about anything.

"We could have done a lot better," said Harris. "All in all we did pretty good though."

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