Kansas University defensive back Rodney Harris knows what plays produce a good highlight reel.

After all, the 21-year-old sophomore helped produce his own 12-minute tape at San Bernardino Valley (Calif.) Community College last season, which intrigued KU coaches enough to take a chance on the Fontana, Calif., native.

Harris

“He showed that he could make plays,” said KU coach Mark Mangino, who said he received about 350 unsolicited tapes each season. “But we didn’t recruit him off the highlight tape. The highlight tape made us look at game tape.”

Mangino’s staff realized it might have uncovered a gem for the KU secondary — which was in desperate need of help after the Jayhawk defense allowed nearly 413 yards a game last season.

Harris — who didn’t play at San Bernardino last year after injuring a hamstring during fall camp — said he felt confident the Jayhawk defense would be improved this season.

“It’s all about execution,” said Harris, who led San Bernadino CC in tackles (85), interceptions (4) and forced fumbles (8) in 2002. “From watching the game tape from last season, there’s no doubt there’s some talented players on this defense.

“It’s just about everyone doing their job.”

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So far, Harris has show teammates he can do his.

“Rodney’s looking great,” said cornerback Charles Gordon, who with Harris and junior-college transfer Theo Baines will join returner Tony Stubbs as the starters in the Jayhawk secondary. “He’s also making plays, getting his assignments down.”

Harris might have a knack for recording highlights, but he said he hoped to put more on the KU scoreboard starting in Saturday’s opener against Tulsa.

“The tape I sent out, it was a (high) caliber tape,” Harris said. “I hadn’t been playing football, so my freshman year in JC, I went out there and just exploded.

“I can’t really describe that feeling, but I’m feeling like I’m ready to explode again.”