Michael Harris (offensive lineman)

Michael Cory Harris (born December 5, 1988) is an American football guard who is currently retired. He played college football at UCLA. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2012. He has also been a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

Early years
Harris lettered four years in football at Duarte High School in Duarte, California for coach Wardell Crutchfield as an offensive and defensive tackle. He was a second-team All-Montview League selection as a junior after totalling 57 tackles, three sacks and one fumble recovery on defense and 20 pancake blocks on offense. As a senior, he was credited with 86 tackles, eight sacks, two fumble recoveries and 34 pancake blocks, helping lead his team to a 10-3 record and to the third round of the CIF playoffs. He was chosen MVP Lineman of the Year in the Montview League. He was also named first-team All-State (Small Schools) by Cal-Hi Sports and was selected to the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley team.

Harris was also member of the ″1000 pound Weightlifting Club″ at his school and lettered four years in basketball (center) and three years in track & field (shot put).

Rated as the No. 27 offensive guard nationally and the No. 5 offensive guard in the state of California by Scout.com. He was regarded as a three-star prospect by both Scout.com and Rivals.com.

College career
In 2008, he was hampered by a sprained ankle early in the season but he made outstanding progress down the stretch and was the Offensive winner of UCLA's Captain Don Brown Memorial Award for Most Improved Player.

In 2009, he started all 13 games at right tackle, one of three linemen to accomplish that feat. He played virtually every snap of each game and was on the field for at least 56 snaps in each contest and was Offensive co-winner of UCLA's Captain Don Brown Memorial Award for Most Improved Player.

In 2011, Harris started in all 14 games at tackle and played virtually every offensive snap on the season. Harris has developed steadily during his career and was a starter in parts of all four seasons. He finished his career with 42 career starts along the Bruin offensive line.

San Diego Chargers
Harris had his first-career start on ESPN’s Monday Night Football against the Oakland Raiders when injuries kept incumbent starter Jared Gaither off the field during training camp. Harris had an inconsistent rookie season but he ended up playing in 15 games with nine starts. On October 9, 2013, Harris was placed on IR. He had started 3 games in 2013.

Harris was released on August 30, 2014.

Minnesota Vikings
Harris signed with the Minnesota Vikings on August 31, 2014. On March 9, 2016, Harris re-signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. On August 30, 2016, Harris was placed on the reserve/NFI list.

On February 10, 2017, Harris was released by the Vikings.

Personal life
His biggest thrill in sports was catching a screen pass for a touchdown in his junior season at Duarte and lists former NFL star Jonathan Ogden as the player he admires the most.