FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- With three position changes and a number swap in the past two months it hasn't been easy for Falcons defensive back Antoine Harris to make a name for himself.
The second-year pro entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans. He played cornerback on the team's practice squad and signed as a corner with the Falcons on Jan. 10. He came to Falcons camp wearing No. 39, but ended the preseason with No. 41. In the process he switched to safety.
Now he's more of a "defensive back."
It's no surprise the one thing he wants heading deeper into the season is some continuity.
"I just want to stay here," he said. "I want to be out on the field playing with the guys, so whatever it takes for me to be able to do that and help this team win I'm willing to do."
With veteran safety Chris Crocker working his way back from a preseason knee injury, Harris stepped into his third position of the year -- nickel back. And, if that weren't enough, he now has another new adventure to face this Sunday against the Panthers -- playing family.
Carolina fullback Nick Goings is Harris' first cousin, but they've never played each other.
"I've never played against him in my life, so this is big for me and we definitely need to go out there and get a win as a team," Harris said. "We were real close growing up. He has a sister and we're real close, too. He was a lot closer to my older brother, but we were all close family."
Goings, a seven-year veteran, said he is excited to play Harris and the division-rival Falcons twice a season.
"We both want to win this game bad," he said. "We know it's going to be a lot of fun playing against him. We'll definitely get together after the game and try to take some pictures and stuff."
Some extra members of the Harris and Goings family will be around for this game, which means plenty to both the Falcons and Panthers. But don't look for any allowances from Harris or Goings because of their bond.
"Maybe when you're younger it would be a little tougher (to put family ties aside)," Harris said. "But now we're all out here working a job. We have to go out and get a job done regardless of who's in front of us."
Thus far Harris has done a remarkable job focusing on the task at hand. He's one of the team's aces on special teams (take a look at him busting the wedge on kick off returns). He has three tackles and a pass defensed in spot work at nickel back.
"He has done a nice job since the opening of mini camp," said Head Coach Bobby Petrino, who also coached Harris at the University of Louisville. "He has come in and competed. At first he was down in the depth chart. But, since then, he has learned the play book both at cornerback and the safety position. He has been playing (the nickel) position aggressively to the point where he is tackling very well. Also, he has really stood out on special teams."
Playing nickel back has been a challenge for Harris, considering the amount of work and varied skills required of the position. He must excel in zone coverage, tackle like a strong safety, play the run like a linebacker and be prepared to cover a slot receiver going over the middle or a No. 1 wideout looking for a mismatch.
Harris' blue-collar nature pays off, though. You won't find him taking a break -- especially with a chance to impress coaches or family on the line.
"I'm just trying to go out there and get better every week," Harris said. "I don't feel like I've done too bad so far, but I'm just trying to go out there and help the defense not miss a beat."
"He's an intense player," Goings said. "He leaves it on the field. He's got a lot of speed and he's got a knack to be around the ball."
