Justin Harrell

Infobox NFLactive
name=Justin Harrell


currentteam=Green Bay Packers
currentnumber=91
currentposition=Defensive tackle
birthdate=birth date and age|1984|2|14
birthplace=Martin, Tennessee
heightft=6
heightin=4
weight=310
debutyear= 2007
debutteam= Green Bay Packers
college=Tennessee
draftyear=2007
draftround=1
draftpick=16
pastteams=
* Green Bay Packers (2007-present)
status=Reserve/PUP
highlights=
* Second-team All-SEC (2005)
nfl=HAR311429

Justin Tyrell Harrell (born February 14, 1984 in city-state|Martin|Tennessee) is an American football defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Packers 16th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.

Early years

Harrell was named the 2A Mr. Football in Tennessee and was named All-American by PrepStar recruiting service. During his senior season at tight end he caught 18 passes for 354 yards and six touchdowns. Harrell attended Westview High School where his team was a state runner-up his senior year. He started three years in basketball and averaged 17 points per game.

College career

Harrell was a 3 year starter for the Vols from 2004 to 2006. Early in the 2006 season, Harrell suffered a season ending injury with a partially torn biceps tendon, forcing him out of the final 10 games of the season. His biceps tendon was torn from the entry point in his upper arm. The injury required surgery, however Harrell played the next game against the Florida Gators before having the required surgery. The reconstructive surgery and the following rehab went well and Harrell is not expect to have any lingering effects from the injury.

Harrell had been a pre-season All-SEC pick. Harrell also was the Defensive MVP of the 2005 Cotton Bowl.

Professional career

Green Bay Packers

At the 2007 NFL draft he was selected 16th overall by the Green Bay Packers. He was the second defensive tackle taken in the draft after Amobi Okoye (Texas).

Harrell took part in only limited drills with the Packers in their organized team activities (OTA) practices as a result of the torn biceps tendon suffered while playing for Tennessee. Harrell was cleared to practice with the team at the preseason camp which began July 28.

On July 27, 2007 Harrell signed a five-year contract with the Packers. The deal reportedly had a maximum value of just under $15 million with approximately $8 million guaranteed. Harrell played in his first NFL game on October 7, 2007 against the Chicago Bears in Week 5.

Harrell spent 2008 training camp on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. On August 25, he was placed on the Reserve/PUP list, forcing him to miss the first six weeks of the regular season.

External links

* [http://www.packers.com/team/players/harrell_justin/ Green Bay Packers bio]
* [http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/harrell_justin00.html Tennessee Volunteers bio]