Former Alabama running back Damien Harris’ NFL career has been all about adjusting so far. After three consecutive seasons of 135-plus carries in Tuscaloosa, Harris found himself in a different situation with the New England Patriots. In a deep Patriots running back room, Harris received just 4 carries for 12 yards as a rookie. Harris still made the best of what was basically a “redshirt” year.

“The biggest thing for me last year was learning as much as I could,” Harris told Paul Perillo of Patriots.com. “Everybody’s path is different. I focused on learning as much as I could and learning from the older guys in the room. There’s a lot of experience in that room. Any opportunity to improve physically or mentally that was my mindset all year.”

Now, Harris is in the same position as every other pro football player: adjusting to an atypical offseason due to the coronavirus shutdown. His offseason prep has included some time back in the Yellowhammer State.

“It’s been interesting,” he told Perillo. “This is my first offseason in the league and with everything going on I still have to find a way to get my work in and prepare. I’m trying to take advantage of the opportunities I do have working out on my own and staying ready for whenever that time comes. It’s been different but at the same time I feel like I’m doing everything I can to stay prepared, whether that’s online or working out on my own.

“I was back in Alabama early and then back in Massachusetts,” he added. “I’ve had a little interaction with teammates. Some of the guys have been able to get together and work out safely and still be productive.”

Harris sees the positives in having former Georgia standout Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead and James White in New England’s running back room.

“It’s great. I have so many guys to learn from,” Harris said. “Sony is a guy I knew from college and seeing his level of success was exciting. Rex and James have developed over the years. There’s so much I can learn from them on and off the field. Listening to what they’re telling me. How to become a pro.

“They all played their part in helping me learn and develop. The message from all of them is the same: Be ready because you never know when your time will come and you don’t want to miss it. Stay the course, keep learning and be available.”

With Michel’s offseason foot surgery, Harris could see more opportunities in preseason action.