Damon Harrison is not called “snacks” Harrison for the fun of it. Just take a look at how powerful and sturdy he is. Standing at is 6'3 and is a solid 353 pounds, Snacks is the perfect build for a nose tackle, and he played in the NFL for 9 years before retiring in 2021.

Harrison started his journey playing college football for William Penn University and was signed onto the New York Jets in 2012 as an undrafted free agent. Throughout his high school career, he primarily played basketball as a shooting guard until an injury prevented him from playing further. This proved to be a blessing in disguise as he soon picked up football during his senior year. But because the majority of the recruiting process taking place during the junior year of high school, Harrison was overlooked by scouts and ended up without a football scholarship and attended community college. Rather than letting that defeat him, Harrison persevered and went on to become First-team All-Pro in 2016, an NAIA All American in 2011, First Team All-MSFA in 2011, and Second-team all MSFA in both 2009 and 2010. 2aDays reached out to Harrison to get his advice to college athletes as well as high schoolers going through the recruitment process. Here are his best tips:

2aDays: What is the best piece of advice that you can off a college athlete that is looking to play at the next level?

To not be afraid to sacrifice the now for the future. Don't be afraid to separate yourself from people who aren't on the same path as you no matter how close you are.

Related: Rate William Penn University

2aDays: Looking back on your career and going through all the ups and downs what would be the main do and don't that you can offer to an athlete.

The main thing to do is to keep your confidence. You wouldn't have made it as far as you did without your confidence so don't change it because you may be afraid of stiffer competition, they can smell it. The biggest don't is to not be arrogant about it. The NFL has a way of humbling guys who are like that.

2aDays: What is the best advice that a coach has given you, and who was that coach?

The best advice given to me from a coach was from my high school coach who told me to never allow anyone to put limitations on my life. Those who tell you that you can't do something say that because they themselves couldn't do it.

2aDays: How difficult was it to maintain your academic success while still being a student-athlete?

It's not that difficult to maintain your academic standing while playing sports. Between the early film sessions, early weight lifting, classes, and practicing. You're a student first and foremost so that should always take precedence over any extracurricular activities off-campus or on. Prioritize!

2aDays: What was the deciding when for you when you choose your college? Was it the coach, academics, or the culture of the school?

I had a different journey in choosing my school so my story is very different from others. I was forced to go the junior college route due to my not taking my grades seriously in my early high school years. Choosing my university was easy because they were the only ones who offered me a scholarship.

2aDays: What advice can you give to an athlete who is looking to get off the bench and play more?

The best advice to give a kid who is a backup is to grind harder than the starters study harder than the starter. Use that time to work on the little things because the big things are easy and come naturally. People miss out on opportunities because of the small things.

Related: Is Every Athlete's Worst Nightmare a Loss Or a Learning Lesson? Coping With Getting Benched

2aDays: What is the best piece of advice that you can offer an athlete when they hit a wall?

If you find yourself hitting a wall just take a step back and reflect on the present and past things that caused it and try to change it. The best possible thing to do to overcome something is to identify what it is and understand how you can get through it. Some things aren't meant to go around. It could be meant for you to go through it.

2aDays: What is the best piece of advice that you can offer to a high school athlete who is looking to play at the collegiate level?

Take your grades more seriously than you do the sport you play. Education is the end all be all of life. It's a great equalizer. Only 1% will become a professional athlete and a smaller number will make a career out of it. You need a good education to succeed in ANY profession.

2aDays: What advice would you give to an athlete who got turned down by their dream school?

If your dream school turned you down, try your best to find out why and work to correct it and try again. If that doesn't work then it's not the place for you. Don't force what's not meant to be. Go somewhere where you're wanted. It also could end up that way as a sign for you to work harder to get what you want. It depends on the situation. 

2aDays: What was the most challenging aspect of the recruitment process?

I never went through the recruitment process so I have no idea. I emailed the schools I wanted to attend pretty much begging for an opportunity to prove myself. Only one responded.

2aDays: What is the most significant difference between high school sports and college sports?

The biggest difference between high school and college sports is the amount of mental stamina that goes into it. Everyone thinks it's the size and speed of the players but it's actually the opposite. The next level is filled with big and fast guys who are very detailed and know their respective sport inside and out.

2aDays: Do you have any pre-game rituals? If so what is one?

The only pregame ritual I have is I listen to the same playlist 30 minutes before I walk out the tunnel every game. It's filled with songs from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. I never go out without first hearing it.

2aDays: What is the funniest moment that has happened to you or a teammate when out on the field?

The funniest in-game moment came during my first ever game. Monday night football versus the Houston Texans. I had no idea I would play and was thrown in the game on a big 3rd and short play. I was so scared that I forgot to line down before the ball was snapped. I was in a daze. The players were yelling at me to get down but I couldn't hear them. We had to call a timeout. It's something I still haven't been able to live down since it happened.

Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]

* Originally published on July 7, 2022, by Jacob Lewis