Two seasons ago, Michaelee Harris was one of the leading receivers for the University of Louisville, making spectacular catches on a routine basis.
During his redshirt freshman year in 2011, he started in 12 games, pulling in 37 receptions for 455 yards and two touchdowns. He was one of the go-to guys, second only to Eli Rogers with 41 catches. But that was before Harris incurred an ACL injury in the final game against South Florida, causing him to miss the Belk Bowl.
Then came another ACL injury last year in pre-season practice, forcing him to sit out for the entire 2012 season.
So that probably explains why Harris has appeared a little rusty during the first six games this year, if not for seeming to be out of position on some memorable plays against Temple and Rutgers. He did get a touchdown pass from Will Gardner during mop-up action against Florida International but he’s been largely silent and ineffective for the most part.
Coach Charlie Strong keeps sending him out there, hoping the Miami junior is focused, knows the plays and is ready to return to form. With wide receivers DeVante Parker and Kai De la Cruz recovering from injuries, Harris may be pressed into action more often, returning to prime time as Central Florida comes to town.
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater sure hopes so, with not quite as many options as he had a couple of games ago.