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Justin Tyrell Harrell (born February 14, 1984 in Martin, Tennessee) is a defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers.
[edit] High school
Harrell was named the 2A Mr. Football in Tennessee and was named All-American by PrepStar recruiting service. During his senior season at tight end he caught 18 passes for 354 yards and six touchdowns. Harrell attended Westview High School where his team was a state runner-up his senior year. He started three years in basketball and averaged 17 points per game.
[edit] College career
Harrell was a 3 year starter for the Vols from 2004 to 2006. Early in the 2006 season, Harrell suffered a season ending injury with a partially torn biceps tendon, forcing him out of the final 10 games of the season. His biceps tendon was torn from the entry point in his upper arm. The injury required surgery, however Harrell played the next game against the Florida Gators before having the required surgery. The reconstructive surgery and the following rehab went well and Harrell is not expect to have any lingering effects from the injury.
Harrell had been a pre-season All-SEC pick. Harrell also was the Defensive MVP of the 2005 Cotton Bowl.
[edit] Professional career
[edit] Green Bay Packers
At the 2007 NFL draft he was selected 16th overall by the Green Bay Packers. He was the 2nd defensive tackle taken in the 2007 draft (the first being Amobi Okoye who was taken by the Houston Texans)
The prevailing wisdom regarding Harrell is that he has a decent chance to beat out Corey Williams for a starting defensive tackle job in the 2007-2008 season. Harrell took part in only limited drills with the Packers in their organized team activities (OTA) practices as a result of the torn biceps tendon suffered while playing for the VOLS.. The coaching staff for the Packers indicated that: "...they (were) just being cautious with his return." However, Harrell was cleared to practice with the team at the preseason camp which began July 28. On July 27, 2007 Harrell signed a five year contract with the Packers. The deal reportedly has a maximum value of just under $15 million with approximately $8 million to be guaranteed compensation. Played in his 1st NFL game on October 7, 2007 against the Chicago Bears in Week 5.With the trading of Corey Williams to the Cleveland Browns Justin is expected to start in the 2008-2009 season.He was one of the more dominant D-tackles in the last month of the season and has the potential to be something special barring injury.
[edit] Honors
[edit] External links
