The evaluation on Roy Robertson-Harris when he came out of UTEP centered on his 6-foot-7 frame and fast-twitch athleticism, but not his college production. That's because there wasn’t much production of which to speak: Despite his size and athletic advantages, he only totaled 10 1/2 sacks over his four years in El Paso.
Robertson-Harris had potential, but it was clear he’d need some time to begin to realize it. After landing on the Bears’ reserve/non-football illness list last year, Robertson-Harris put on more weight — he’s listed at 294 pounds, about 40 pounds heavier than he was in college — and was moved to defensive end, where he flourished during training camp.
And with that flourish came not only a roster spot, but the possibility of a significant role in a Bears front seven that looked imposing during preseason play.
“He put on a little weight in the offseason, still came in with that explosion, that twitch and that raw athleticism that you want up there,” linebacker Danny Trevathan said. “I’ve been pleased with him, I’m excited for him.
“… He’s a playmaker, he’s a guy that plays quick with that twitch and he loves the game of football. You can’t coach that.”
That Robertson-Harris earned a spot on the Bears’ roster is a testament to not only his own personal growth, but the Bears’ scouting department and player development. His strong preseason, too, likely helped make Jaye Howard expendable when rosters were reduced to 53 on Saturday.
Robertson-Harris’ arrow is pointing up, and he has a chance to be one of the better finds this organization has had in the last few years.