Harris is back with a special request Ex-OU star wants to be called ‘Real Deal' Harris is back with a special request Ex-OU star wants to be called ‘Real Deal'
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Tommie Harris sang in the huddle and made it clear he would like to be known as the "Real Deal.”
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The Chicago Bears' Pro Bowl defensive tackle was ready to perform when training camp opened and that's because he showed up healthy.
"I'm basically full tilt, something they better be aware of,” the former Oklahoma standout said. Although the Bears got to the Super Bowl after Harris suffered a season-ending hamstring injury last season, they realize his health will go a long way toward determining whether they make another run.
Harris has made it clear he feels fine. There are no restrictions on what he can do, and he was ready to prove that when camp began.
Harris said "Real Deal” was his nickname in high school, and he would repeat it to himself after breaking the huddle during his first three years with the Bears. Now, he's going public with it.
"I've always been called that,” Harris said. "In my mind I would say ‘Real Deal, Real Deal' when I'm running out of the huddle, but now everybody's starting to say that, so hopefully I can show that. I play better when I hear that.”
Coach Lovie Smith said he'd be happy to call Harris that if it will make him play better.
"He is the real deal,” Smith said. "I'll say that.”
Although he participated in offseason workouts, Harris has some rust to scrape away. And the Bears aren't as deep as they were last season at defensive tackle.
Backups Ian Scott and Alfonso Boone left as free agents, and Tank Johnson is gone, too. Antonio Garay, former Sooner Dusty Dvoracek and Anthony Adams will get looks at defensive tackle.
"Now, it's back to business, back to (where it) feels just like the first day of camp last year,” Harris said. "You're getting out there, your stance isn't quite right, everything's not polished up yet. So I'm working it off right now.
"I've got the sandpaper and I'm filing everything down so pretty soon I'll put on the finisher.”
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Chicago's Tommie Harris enjoys listening to fans at training camp after spending the later part of the 2006 season on the bench with a torn hamstring. ASSOCIATED PRESS
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