For New York Giants rookie Dalvin Tomlinson, Damon ‘Snacks’ Harrison has been the perfect role model in his first taste of the NFL.
Dalvin Tomlinson’s transition from college football to the NFL has hardly been smooth, no thanks to the New York Giants’ disappointing season. It can be argued, however, that the second-round pick has filled the void left by Jonathan Hankins in admirable fashion.
The defensive tackle has shared the workload with Jay Bromley and Robert Thomas so far, accumulating nine solo tackles and nine assisted tackles in limited playing time.
His unspectacular figures on paper shouldn’t discount what a solid acquisition he has been. Tomlinson’s development is one of few positives to come from the Giants’ campaign, having seemingly slotted in comfortably beside a man he admits he is taking inspiration from.
Damon ‘Snacks’ Harrison has persistently frightened opposing offensive lines from the heart of Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive unit and, in the process, been at hand to give his rookie partner plenty of valuable lessons.
The pair proved vital in a 12-play red zone shutout in the first quarter of Sunday’s defeat to the Seattle Seahawks, in which the Giants defense was yet again burdened by the team’s failure to put points on the board.
“‘Snacks’ had some big plays down there. I’m super impressed by him,” wrote Tomlinson in his rookie blog for Giants.com.
“Pretty much every game there’s a moment where I go, ‘Wow.’ He’s one of those guys that’s just a great football player. I continue to learn from him each day in practice and every rep beside him. He teaches me something new every day, and I appreciate it. He’s like a big brother to me.”
Harrison has emerged as a leader for the Giants, picking up where he left off from his outstanding 2016 season. The 28-year-old has been playing at an All-Pro level since the off and been a key penetrating force on the Giants’ defensive line.
He has also impressed with the sheer energy and work ethic that is being tested by the number of consecutive snaps the Giants’ defense has been forced to play due to familiar offensive failings.
When there is little reason to talk of positives in East Rutherford, the fact he continues to gain recognition sums up how obvious and significant an impact he has had.
‘Snacks’ may be seeing his hunger go unrewarded, but it is certainly being appreciated.
