This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings signed L.C. Bird alum Anthony Harris to a $3 million contract.
In just the opening week of the NFL season, it’s already paying dividends. Harris intercepted two passes in Minnesota’s 28-13 victory over Atlanta Sunday afternoon.
Last season, he intercepted a career-high three passes, including a two in one game against the Chicago Bears. With 15 games left on the schedule, it’s a solid bet to say that he could be lined up for a breakout season.
Harris was never known for his size, but for his intelligence. That got him an education at the University of Virginia and a chance to play in the NFL.
Known for his ability to read defenses and plays, Harris intercepted 11 passes over his sophomore, junior and senior seasons as a Cavalier.
Other Bird alumni
Rayshard Ashby turned heads as a freshman at L.C. Bird, was an integral part of two state championships during his time there, and won VHSL 5A state defensive player of the year honors as a senior.
Now, he’s starring as a junior at middle linebacker for Virginia Tech.
In his first game on Aug. 31, he registered 13 tackles and a sack in a 35-28 loss to Boston College. Ashby was named the Atlantic Coast Conference’s linebacker of the week. On Sept. 7, Ashby tallied 10 tackles in a 31-17 win over Old Dominion.
Jalen Elliott played quarterback and safety for L.C. Bird during his time at the school and was also part of the 2013 and 2014 state championship teams. He went on to play at Notre Dame.
This offseason, he was named a captain for his senior season with the Fighting Irish.
In the lone game for Notre Dame so far this season, Elliott registered three tackles in a 35-17 win over Louisville on Sept. 2.
