Student-Athlete Spotlight
Andrew Harrison
Football
Senior
Richmond, Va. • Highland Springs HS
August 22, 2011
A former walk-on, Andrew Harrison worked his way on to the Blue Hen roster and is now a fourth-year starter at outside linebacker in 2011. He will serve as a team co-captain during the 2012 season as he hopes to lead the Blue Hens to another Colonial Athletic Association title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. He is Delaware's active career leader among defensive players with 38 games played and 33 starts and has started 26 straight games entering the 2011 campaign. His 236 career tackles also leads all active UD players. He played a key role in leading Delaware to the NCAA national championship game, anchoring a defense that led the nation in scoring defense. Click here for full biography.
1. What is your major at Delaware and why did you choose it?
Answer: Civil engineering, In high school, I didn't really know what I wanted to study in college. My high school had a special curriculum for students who wanted to become engineers. After taking these classes for four years, I determined that engineering was the way to go.
2. What are your goals following your career at Delaware?
I want to be involved in ministry full time. Helping people in this way really motivates me and brings me joy.
3. What has been your most memorable experience here at Delaware?
My most memorable experience has been just joking about other players and the coaches with the guys in the locker room and at team meals.
4. What does it mean to you to be selected captain of the 2011 team?
I think guys want to be respected more than anything else. It means a lot to me that the guys respect me enough to vote me as a captain. With the talent that we have, leadership and accountability will lead to success. It is the captains' responsibility to make sure that we reach our potential. It's a huge responsibility.
5. What are your individual and team goals for the 2011 season?
I would like to get 300 tackles. For the team, nothing short of a championship will be a success.
6. Tell us how you got your nickname "The Rev"?
It all started when I asked guys to watch their language around me because of my beliefs. Coach Wrobo (Damian Wroblewski) and (former player) Rick Jarnigan get credit for starting the nickname. Everybody soon picked up on it. Beginning in my sophomore year I started doing a Bible Study for the guys on the team in the locker room. It's been going ever since.
7. How does your faith effect your participation in athletics?
My faith is really my backbone. It gets me through the really tough times, helps me deal with the pressure and stress, and keeps me humble in success. It also gives me a purpose off the field. I try to be there for my teammates to help them through life however I can.
8. What is your favorite thing about the University of Delaware?
The people. I've met so many great people all over campus. Those in the Athletics and Engineering departments, my teammates, my coaches, my classmates, those in RISE (Resources for Successful Engineers) and those in the ministry I am involved in.
9. What has been your favorite/most interesting class here at Delaware?
Anthropology101. My teacher came to class with such energy and passion for what she taught. Examining different cultures and our own culture was very interesting to me.
10. What is it like playing in front of 20,000+ fans at Delaware Stadium during the fall?
It's great. We get more fans than anyone in our conference. The more people, the louder the stadium, the more exciting every big play is.
11. If you weren't playing football, what sport would you play and why?
Basketball. I've been playing since I was 8. I played all through high school. I just ended up being better at football.
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