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Zach Harrison
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Zachary Harrison (born August 14, 2001) is an American professional football defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Key Information
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Early life
[edit]Harrison attended Olentangy Orange High School in Lewis Center, Ohio. He played in the 2019 All-American Bowl.[1] A five-star recruit, Harrison committed to Ohio State University to play college football.[2][3]
College career
[edit]Harrison spent his true freshman season at Ohio State in 2019.[4] He played in all 14 games with one start and had 24 tackles and 3.5 sacks.[5][6]
Professional career
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 5+1⁄2 in (1.97 m) |
274 lb (124 kg) |
36+1⁄4 in (0.92 m) |
10 in (0.25 m) |
4.66 s | 7.33 s | 34.5 in (0.88 m) |
10 ft 3 in (3.12 m) |
25 reps | ||||
| Sources:[7][8] | ||||||||||||
Harrison was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round, 75th overall, of the 2023 NFL draft.[9] As a rookie, he appeared in 16 games. He finished with three sacks, 33 total tackles (18 solo), and one pass defended.[10]
NFL career statistics
[edit]Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Fumbles | Interceptions | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TFL | FF | FR | Yds | TD | Int | Yds | TD | PD | ||
| 2023 | ATL | 16 | 0 | 33 | 18 | 15 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | ATL | 17 | 1 | 26 | 6 | 20 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Career | 33 | 1 | 59 | 24 | 35 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
References
[edit]- ^ Newman, Logan (October 31, 2018). "Chosen 25 DE Zach Harrison receives All-American jersey, still unsure of future". USA TODAY High School Sports. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
- ^ Rapoport, Daniel (December 18, 2018). "Five-star DE Zach Harrison commits to Ohio State". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ Jardy, Adam (December 19, 2018). "Five-star recruit Zach Harrison signs with Ohio State University". The Columbus Dispatch. Archived from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ Baird, Nathan (October 9, 2019). "Why Ohio State freshman Zach Harrison's promising future may have already arrived". cleveland.com. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ Rabinowitz, Bill (October 8, 2020). "Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison hoping to deliver on potential on and off field". Buckeye Xtra. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ Lesmerises, Doug (May 7, 2020). "Underestimating Ohio State football defensive end Zach Harrison while he chases the Chase Young peak". cleveland.com. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ Reuter, Chad; Zierlein, Lance. "Zach Harrison Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
- ^ "2023 NFL Draft Scout Zach Harrison College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
- ^ Bair, Scott; McElhaney, Tori (April 28, 2023). "Falcons select Zach Harrison with No. 75 overall NFL Draft pick". AtlantaFalcons.com. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
- ^ "Zach Harrison 2023 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Zach Harrison.
- Zach Harrison on Twitter
- Career statistics from NFL.com · ESPN · Yahoo Sports
- Ohio State Buckeyes bio
- Atlanta Falcons bio
 | This biographical article relating to an American football defensive lineman is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
Zach Harrison
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and high school career
Early life
Zach Harrison was born on August 14, 2001, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents, Tracey and Jimmie Harrison, both originally from Chicago's South Side, relocated the family to the Columbus area when Zach was four years old, settling in Lewis Center.[4][5] Raised in a supportive family that encouraged his passions despite not being avid sports fans themselves, Harrison grew up in Ohio's football-centric environment, fostering his early enthusiasm for the game.[6][7] He began playing flag football at age six and transitioned to tackle football the following year, quickly demonstrating a keen understanding of the sport by analyzing plays on television, as noted by his father.[6][7] Harrison attended elementary and middle schools in the Lewis Center area before entering Olentangy Orange High School, from which he graduated in 2019.[8][2] This early exposure to football laid the groundwork for his high school athletic pursuits.[6]High school career
Harrison attended Olentangy Orange High School in Lewis Center, Ohio, from 2015 to 2019, where he emerged as a standout defensive end.[9][2] As a senior in 2018, Harrison recorded seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss over seven games, earning first-team All-Ohio honors in Division I.[10] He was also a two-time Ohio Division I All-State selection, highlighting his consistent impact on the defensive line.[2] In addition to football, Harrison competed in track and field, posting times of 10.7 seconds in the 100 meters and 21.5 seconds in the 200 meters.[9] Harrison participated in the 2019 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, where he showcased his skills as a top prospect and was named a finalist for the All-American Bowl Man of the Year award.[9][11] Rated as a five-star recruit and the No. 1 player in Ohio by major scouting services, Harrison drew interest from elite programs including Alabama, Clemson, and Michigan before committing to Ohio State University in December 2018.[12][10]College career
2019–2020 seasons
Harrison enrolled early at Ohio State University in January 2019 as a true freshman defensive end, participating in winter conditioning and spring practices to prepare for the upcoming season.[13] During the 2019 season, Harrison appeared in all 14 games for the Buckeyes, making one start and recording 24 combined tackles, including 14 solo stops and 10 assists, along with 3.5 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss.[14] As a rotational player behind established starters like Chase Young, he focused on learning the college game's speed and physicality, contributing in pass-rush situations while adjusting to Big Ten competition.[15] His collegiate debut came against Florida Atlantic on August 31, 2019, where he logged 24 snaps in the defensive end rotation during Ohio State's 45–21 victory.[16] Under head coach Ryan Day and defensive line coach Larry Johnson, Harrison benefited from a structured development program emphasizing technique and discipline, which helped him transition from high school dominance to a supporting role on a deep defensive front.[17] Johnson's mentorship, in particular, guided Harrison's early growth as a pass rusher, building on his raw athleticism in a unit that ranked among the nation's best in sacks and pressures.[13] The 2020 season was abbreviated to seven games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Harrison played all contests and tallied 14 combined tackles (6 solo, 8 assisted), 2.0 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended, and 1 fumble recovery.[14] Continuing in a rotational capacity, he showed improved consistency against Big Ten offenses, including a sack against Nebraska and a fumble recovery against Indiana, further solidifying his adaptation to the conference's demands under Day and Johnson's coaching.[18]2021–2022 seasons
Entering his junior season in 2021, Zach Harrison solidified his role as a key rotational defensive end for Ohio State, appearing in 12 games and recording 34 combined tackles (23 solo, 11 assisted), 4.0 sacks, 8.0 tackles for loss, 4 passes defended, and 2 forced fumbles.[14] He earned recognition as a team captain, a distinction voted by his teammates, highlighting his growing leadership on the defensive line.[19] Harrison was named to the second-team All-Big Ten by media voters and third-team by coaches, reflecting his contributions to a unit that helped the Buckeyes finish with an 11-2 record.[20] Harrison's standout performances in 2021 included a sack and forced fumble in the season opener against Minnesota, setting an early tone for the defense, as well as a sack and 2.0 tackles for loss against Indiana.[21] In the Cotton Bowl Classic victory over Utah, he contributed 4 tackles, including 1 sack, aiding Ohio State's defensive effort in a 48-45 win.[20] These efforts marked his evolution from a promising underclassman into a reliable starter and vocal leader, often rallying the front four during practices and games.[22] As a senior in 2022, Harrison started all 13 games at defensive end, matching his previous year's tackle total with 34 combined (20 solo, 14 assisted), alongside 3.5 sacks, 8.0 tackles for loss, 1 interception for 2 yards, 4 passes defended, and a team-high 3 forced fumbles.[14] His forced fumbles underscored his disruptive presence against quarterbacks and ball carriers.[3] Harrison received first-team All-Big Ten honors from media voters, capping a season where he anchored the line for a 12-2 Buckeyes squad.[23] Key moments in 2022 featured a 2-sack, 2.5-tackle-for-loss performance against Maryland, where he forced a fumble that led to a scoop-and-score touchdown, and his lone interception in a win over Penn State.[24] In the Peach Bowl semifinal loss to Georgia, Harrison tallied 4 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 1.5 tackles for loss, providing pressure in a hard-fought 42-41 defeat.[24] Harrison graduated from Ohio State in December 2022 with a degree in criminology, balancing his academic and athletic demands successfully.[25]Professional career
Pre-draft process and NFL Draft
Harrison participated in the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, where he measured 6 feet 5.5 inches tall and weighed 274 pounds, with 36.25-inch arms and 10-inch hands. He completed 25 repetitions on the bench press but opted out of on-field drills, focusing instead on measurements and strength testing. His arm length stood out as the longest among defensive linemen at the Combine since 2014, highlighting his physical advantages for pass-rushing.[26][27][28] At Ohio State's Pro Day on March 22, 2023, Harrison performed several athletic tests, recording a 34.5-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-3-inch broad jump, and a 7.33-second three-cone drill. Representatives from 30 of the 32 NFL teams attended, and Harrison conducted formal interviews with multiple clubs, including discussions on his versatility along the defensive line. His performance underscored his explosiveness and quickness, traits that complemented his Combine measurements.[29][30] Scouting reports praised Harrison's exceptional length, athleticism, and potential as a defensive end, noting his ability to disrupt plays with heavy hands, lower-body power, and edge-rushing moves. Analysts highlighted his snap anticipation and bull-rush strength, projecting him as a Day 2 pick with room for technical refinement in pass-rush consistency. His college production at Ohio State, including 13.0 sacks over four seasons, formed the basis for his draft evaluation.[31][32][33] The Atlanta Falcons selected Harrison in the third round, 75th overall, in the 2023 NFL Draft on April 28, 2023. The team valued his upside as a versatile lineman capable of contributing immediately in run defense and developing into a rotational pass-rusher.[34] Harrison signed a four-year rookie contract with the Falcons on May 16, 2023, valued at $5,568,446, including a $1,049,780 signing bonus and $1,049,780 in guarantees. The deal carried a 2023 cap hit of $1,012,245.[35][36]Atlanta Falcons tenure
Harrison was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, beginning his professional career as a rotational defensive end on the team's defensive line. In his rookie season, he appeared in 16 games without a start, focusing on situational pass-rushing duties and contributing to the Falcons' edge pressure while adapting to the NFL level.[1] His integration emphasized learning the playbook and building physicality, with gradual increases in snap counts as the season progressed, helping him earn trust in sub-packages.[37] The 2024 season marked a transitional year for Harrison amid the Falcons' shift to a 3-4 defensive scheme under coordinator Jimmy Lake, which better suited his versatile frame as an outside linebacker/defensive end hybrid.[38] He played in all 17 games with one start, primarily in rotational roles, where he focused on run support and occasional pass rushes, including recording one safety against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17 that sealed a defensive stand.[39] This adjustment period saw a reduction in his overall snaps compared to his rookie year, but it allowed him to refine techniques like hand usage and gap control, contributing to the unit's improved third-down efficiency.[40] As of November 10, 2025, Harrison has emerged as a key starter in the Falcons' defensive front during a season hampered by injuries to fellow linemen like Ta'Quon Graham and Ruke Orhorhoro.[41] He has started all seven games played, with increased snap counts averaging over 50% of defensive plays, stepping up as the primary edge rusher opposite Lorenzo Carter.[42] Harrison missed the Week 8 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on October 26 due to a knee injury but returned for Week 9, delivering pivotal pressures including a sack on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones for a 2-yard loss on October 19 and a strip-sack on Minnesota Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy in Week 2 that forced a turnover.[43][44] His emphasis on explosive edge rushes has bolstered the Falcons' pass rush, which ranks improved in quarterback hit percentage, aiding overall defensive enhancements under head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's multiple-front scheme.[45] As of November 15, 2025, Harrison is listed as questionable for Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers due to a knee injury.[41]Career statistics
College statistics
Harrison's college defensive statistics at Ohio State University from 2019 to 2022 are detailed below.[14]| Season | Class | GP | GS | Solo | Ast | Comb | TFL | Sacks | INT | PD | FF | FR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | FR | 14 | 1 | 14 | 10 | 24 | 5.0 | 3.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | SO | 7 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 14 | 4.5 | 2.0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 2021 | JR | 12 | 12 | 23 | 11 | 34 | 8.0 | 4.0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | SR | 13 | 13 | 20 | 14 | 34 | 8.0 | 3.5 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
NFL statistics
Zach Harrison's NFL career began with the Atlanta Falcons after being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, where he has primarily played as a defensive end, contributing to the team's pass rush and run defense.[1] His statistical output has shown steady development, with increased starting opportunities in 2025 reflecting his evolving role in the Falcons' defensive scheme.[46] The following table summarizes Harrison's regular-season defensive statistics for his first three seasons with the Falcons.[1]| Year | Team | GP | GS | Solo | Ast | Comb | TFL | Sk | PD | FF | QBH | Sfty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ATL | 16 | 0 | 18 | 15 | 33 | 4 | 3.0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| 2024 | ATL | 17 | 1 | 6 | 20 | 26 | 3 | 1.0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | ATL | 7 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 22 | 5 | 4.5 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
| Career | - | 40 | 8 | 33 | 48 | 81 | 12 | 8.5 | 4 | 2 | 11 | 1 |