Chargers rookie Tre Harris finding plenty of

For Chargers rookie Tre’ Harris, the chance to see the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, proved to be an eye-opening expertise — a second of validation for his budding NFL profession.

“Being able to go to the Hall of Fame, seeing all of the busts, all the players and the history of the game, just tells you, ‘You made it to the NFL,’” Harris stated.

Getting the possibility to play in the Chargers’ 34-7 win over the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game fulfilled a childhood dream for the Lafayette, La., native. But the Hall of Fame week expertise left him with a clearer understanding of what it takes to be a legend in the game.

“Being able to see all those players, those legends who’ve done it at the very pinnacle of the game — it really shows how much work you have to put in to be as good as them, or even really sniff their sneakers,” Harris stated.

His path to greatness started quietly: zero catches on just one goal against the Lions. Still, offensive coordinator Greg Roman stated Harris regarded snug in the passing sport despite restricted alternatives.

Harris has turned heads in camp with his sharp route operating and big-play potential. Motivated to show what he can offer an offense determined for receiving weapons to assist Justin Herbert, the second-round choose is targeted on two issues: studying performs and velocity.

“[I’m] making sure that I’m comfortable in this playbook and I’m playing fast,” Harris stated. “We want to play fast and be decisive. … Whenever I go out there, that’s really the main goal. … I’m not really worried about what the defense is doing — just worried about, how can I get myself open?”

Despite beginning camp a few days later than different rookies because of a contract holdout, Harris is competing for a beginning function in the wake of Mike Williams’ sudden retirement.

Harris, who agreed to a $7.8-million deal with the Chargers, stated the only factor that bothered him about his holdout was lacking time with his teammates.

Over the first few months, Harris has leaned closely on the assist of rookie receiver and roommate KeAndre Lambert-Smith. The two have constructed a bond since first assembly at the NFL scouting mix in February.

That bond has sparked an iron-sharpening-iron dynamic, with both standing out in camp so far. Harris has impressed, but Lambert-Smith has emerged as a hidden gem, constantly making downfield grabs and successful one-on-one battles with crisp route operating.

“It’s almost like college in a way, just having that guy you’re always with,” Harris stated. “It’s been good to bounce ideas off, and we always talk to each other about the practice, game, everyday life.”

Harris also has embraced a delicate, but significant change in his life. He lately added an apostrophe to his first title, now stylized as “Tre’.” The replace displays household and cultural historical past, he stated.

Harris’ father, who spent a decade working offshore in Brazil, realized to converse some Portuguese during that time. Harris was born Cleveland Harris III, but his father shortened the title to tres — Portuguese for “three.” Somewhere along the way in which, the “s” was dropped, and “Tre’” got here to be.

With the Chargers set to open the common season in São Paulo, Brazil, Harris stated his dad is already planning, telling him he has “some friends back there who are super excited to see me play.”