In March, the Steelers cut outside linebacker James Harrison. In April, the Steelers spent their first-round draft pick on outside linebacker Jarvis Jones. Jones understands that makes people view him as Harrison’s heir apparent.
But Jones won’t compare himself to Harrison until he earns it.
“I don’t compare myself in no way to James Harrison,” Jones said at the Steelers’ rookie minicamp today, via the Associated Press. “He’s a great player. Respect him. Never met him. But I love his game. I wouldn’t mind being an impact player like James Harrison.”
For Jones, loving Harrison’s game has included studying the way the Steelers play defense with Harrison on the roster over the last decade. And Jones thinks he knows the role he’s going to play in Pittsburgh.
“They’re about playing hard-nosed defense and they’re about playing down after down. I see it and I know what it means,” Jones said.
At his best, Harrison played hard-nosed defense like few other linebackers in the NFL. The Steelers would love to see Jones emulate that. But if Jones is planning on playing like Harrison, he’d better start setting aside some fine money.