Former DB Dustin Harris 'still haunted' by 2011 Lone Star Showdown

Former Texas A&M defensive back Dustin Harris spent four years in the Aggie secondary from 2009 to 2012. On Thursday morning, the Livingston product caught up with TexAgs Radio to look back on his playing career in Aggieland and share what he's doing now.

Key notes from Dustin Harris interview

• I got to play against Texas for three seasons and then against Alabama in my senior year. It was amazing.
   
• Some of my favorite moments were being able to hit the tailgates after the games with my family. Even celebrating a win at Kyle Field and being able to just step out and celebrate with all the fans.
   
• I took a lot of pride in special teams because it was my go-to. I knew that if I was able to make a play on the field, I could set or change the tone of the game. Still, to this day, every time I see a punt return, I get chills.
   
• In 2011 against Texas, that last-second field goal to put them on top to win the game really haunts me. I had the opportunity to block it. During that play, I actually tore a couple of ligaments in my knee before the game. That game was amazing, and to be honest, I cannot wait until we play them again.
   
• Especially now since the rivalry is coming back, I think that our guys have a bigger chip on their shoulder to prove something. Now that it’s back, I guarantee that it is going to be the most-watched game in college football history.
   
• I felt good about the rivalry coming back in 2021 when Texas announced they were coming to the SEC because the rivalry is what I grew up on. It was drilled into our brains that we do not like Texas. Then we got away for a couple of years, but now we are back. I thought playing LSU was a great atmosphere, but bringing that rivalry back is going to be the best atmosphere.
   
• Going into this year, we have the best opportunity to put the Aggies back on the map. They’ve got the talent and the coaching staff. I watched Mike Elko at Duke, and the way he mentored those guys was something I loved. It is something I am hoping he is going to instill here at A&M.
   
• With the way Elko talks during media days, I could only imagine what he is saying to the guys in the locker room. We have had a couple of tough years, and to have a new coach come in, I have been there. I think these guys can do it. It is going to take time, as always, but I think they can do it.
   
• NIL has really exploded. Back in my day, a senior wasn’t getting paid or getting any deals. It meant that you stood on what you said in the locker room and through your performance. I hope that anyone who has had the experience to step up goes, “We can’t do this again,” because it is about setting that mentality. Do you want to be 5-7 or 10-2 this year?
   
• I can’t talk for the guys in the locker room, but I think there is a trust factor there. That is why I think Elko really is the right guy for the job. As long as he brings that trust to the team, I think they’ll be OK. I think the trust between the players and coaches has to be like a family. When you step on the field, those guys need to sync together because that is your family. It all comes down to trust.
   
• My family still gives me crap every now and then because I was a Vince Young fan for years — and even now — but once I stepped foot on the A&M practice field, I knew I was an Aggie. The plan is to show my little one that feeling. I’m ready to go to games and go to tailgates to just show him what it is about.
   
• I think about the legends I played with every day. Von Miller, Mike Evans, Ryan Swope and more. It was like there was no way that we shouldn’t have won. The key to everything was, we had that meeting before that season, and we had had enough. There’s a reason for the Wrecking Crew, and that defense stood up. I was blessed to play in the era I did. Getting to play with those guys and getting to know those guys is something that can never be taken away from me.
   
• Special teams are a big factor in a game. It’s not just defense and offense. It sets the tone of the game. We were a unit. We were one. We practiced like we played, and we left no stone unturned on the field. We knew what we were doing to get the job done.
   
• I think we are going to be good on defense. Elko brought in a staff that he trusts, and those guys just need to get the players adjusted.
   
• Starting as a freshman was really hard. I had guys who could cover and run faster than me above me on the depth chart, but the coaches trusted in me and my mindset. I wanted to start. I didn’t play in high school to just play in high school. My end goal was to get into the NFL and make a name for myself. While I didn't get to the NFL, I was able to make a name for myself here at A&M, in my eyes.
   
• I watch some of the games, and the talent we have is insane. There were some key plays during the game that just made me go, “Why would you do that?” and other minimal mistakes. The thing with mistakes is that once you make them, you have to shove them to the back. Whenever I made mistakes, my teammates would pull me to the side and lift up my head. They have to have faith in each other and hold each other accountable.
   
• I have a 16-month-old, and it’s been great. I’m new to the little kid world now, but the good thing is he loves the outside. I do too. I have my own hay business, and everytime I'm in my tractor or on my horse, he is with me. It’s nice to be able to have somebody that wants to be with you 24/7. My wife is amazing, and she puts up with a lot between me and him. She’s doing good.