Harris’ anonymity is so great that many people might be more apt to recognize his 3-year-old son Trent out in public. More than 2.3 million people have watched the YouTube video of a spiffily dressed Trent, who at the time was only 2, belt out the national anthem at a high school basketball game in New Jersey in February.
Harris sat down to talk about the art of the snap and his son’s pipes for this week’s Bengals High 5.
Q: So how is Trent's singing career coming along?
A: I wouldn't really call it much of a career. He gets little calls here and there. We actually just put a little tape together for a TV show that's coming out, but I don't know if he'll get a call back. He might be too young. I'm not trying to make any money off of him. I'm not trying to make him a star. If he has fun doing it, we'll let him do it. I tell everyone, 'he's not a good singer.' It's just super cute that he can remember all the words. That's why it became such a hit, I think.
Q: Have you ever thought about having him sing the anthem before a Bengals game?
A: I would love to. I've campaigned a little bit around here. But it seems like they have their people set up for the whole year. But if they're ever in a pinch and need someone at the last second, he'll go. He refuses to practice. We just put his little blazer on and he knows it's game time.
Q: With the extra point attempts moved back 15 yards this year, have you noticed the defense rushing with a little more intensity?
A: Last week I did. But that could have been just that team. I won't truly know until about Week 4 or 5. Through 16 games last year, there were probably five teams that really came up the middle. The Raiders might be one of those teams that really comes up the middle, so I won't really know for a few weeks until I get a chance to play against teams that I'm used to playing.
Q: Some teams drop their holder 7 yards back, others 8. What's your preference?
A: We always do 8 yards. When I got here I never knew anything about how to get laces to the holder in the best spot because it was just something I did as a tight end who long-snapped on the side. When I got here (special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons) has it down to a science of how many rotations the ball makes on its way to the holder.
Q: Are you aware of your streak of snaps without an unplayable one?
A: I have no idea how long it is. Couldn't care less. I mean, I've had bad snaps, but they're still playable. Last year I had a couple high ones at the face, but (holder Kevin Huber) got them down. I can't remember the last time I've had a catastrophic snap.
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