Friday Night Focus: Frank Harris and Rashad Wisdom, UTSA's heroes who wear zero
When UTSA has the ball on Saturday versus Texas, the Longhorns will need to watch out for No. 0 in blue and white. When Texas has the ball, they’ll need to watch for No. 0 in blue and white.
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Roadrunner quarterback Frank Harris and safety Rashad Wisdom are the top two playmakers for Jeff Traylor’s UTSA squad and will be key components of the Conference USA program’s attempt at an upset of No. 21 Texas.
“Frank Harris, he’s a dual-threat,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said on Monday. “He can get the ball out quickly in a lot of their RPO game. He does a really nice job of giving his receivers an opportunity to make plays on the ball downfield, a lot of the fades and different things, inside fades. Then he can use his legs and he can hurt you with his legs, which clearly we struggled with last week. Especially in the fourth quarter when we let Bryce (Young) out of the pocket.”
Harris, a sixth-year senior, was often injured in the first three years of his career. When Traylor arrived in San Antonio, Harris saw his production increase dramatically. Last year, he completed 66 percent of his passes for 3177 yards, recording 27 touchdowns over six interceptions on the way to a C-USA title. He also rushed for 566 yards and six touchdowns, and even added a touchdown reception to his ledger.
The left-handed second-team all-Conference USA quarterback has played well this season, completing 68 percent of his passes for 696 yards with six touchdowns and one interception. On the ground, he’s added 93 yards and a score, something Sarkisian is keen to.
“We’ve got to do a better job of rush lane integrity and try to keep him contained,” Sarkisian said. “We’ve also got to play better coverage because he will make you pay, especially on the advantage throws.”
Said senior defensive back Anthony Cook on Monday, “He’s able to get out of the pocket and create plays with his legs, so we’ll definitely have to respect that. He’s able to make the long throws as well.”
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With injuries along the UTSA offensive line, Harris will be asked to do a lot when the Roadrunners travel north on IH-35. How will Texas play the San Antonio native?
“We’ve just got to go out there and not take him lightly,” Keondre Coburn said Monday.
On the other side of the ball, Wisdom leads the way wearing the No. 0.
“Four-year starter, what can you say about the guy?” Sarkisian said.
Wisdom, a two-time all conference selection, had 88 tackles, four TFL, and six pass breakups last season. Through two games this year, he has six tackles and a fumble recovery.
He plays bigger than his 5-foot-9, 210-pound frame and is the heart and soul of the Roadrunner defense.
“He’s been a leader of that defense,” Sarkisian said. “He plays the boundary safety. He’s a very physical player, yet he can run. You can definitely see he’s the quarterback of the defense and his leadership, the guys definitely feed off of.”
The Longhorns will have the talent advantage on Saturday, but the Roadrunners still boast several good college football players. It just so happens both of UTSA’s football heroes wear No. 0.
