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However, even with a record-breaking 286-yard performance against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 20th, Harrison had competition coming into training camp following the additions of Peyton Hillis through a trade with the Denver Broncos and Montario Hardesty in the Draft.

Harrison ran with the first-team offense throughout the preseason, gaining 72 yards and scoring one touchdown on 23 carries. With Hardesty being placed on injured reserve last, it means Harrison and Hillis, as well as James Davis, will be given more carries.

“I have a great opportunity,” said Harrison. “I’m playing with a great offensive line, the best fullback in the league and they give me the chance to go out there and run and have fun, be very productive and do whatever I need to do to help this team win.

“During the preseason, I set two goals of things I needed to work on and I wasn’t worried about running,” he added. “Now, everything’s coming together. Peyton’s a great back. He’s physical, tough, breaks tackles. There are some very good running backs on this team that are going to help us out a lot.”

Hillis was not the only new addition in the backfield. Quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace were brought in and added nearly 20 combined years of NFL experience to the Browns locker room. The difference has been noticeable.

“I think we’ve become an all-around team now, both run and pass,” said Harrison. “Jake and Seneca, with their knowledge of the game and their experience, I think they really helped (Brian) Robiskie, (Chansi) Stuckey and (Mohamed) Massaquoi along. We’ve got good tight ends too, so we’re well-rounded offensively.

“You know they’re going to put you in the best spot, the right spot,” he added. “With time running out, they’re going to figure it out and if they need to improvise, they improvise at a high level, where you still can be successful. They have control of the huddle and they do it the right, and respectful, way.”

Harrison can sense that leadership has changed the team.

“We’re very focused,” he said. “This is a brand new team, a different attitude, different mindset and everything. Our mindset is to win every week and it’s very concentrated, very focused. We’re a very determined team and we’re going to put a lot into this week.

“Love me or hate me, I’m going to show up and run hard,” added Harrison. “I’m going to go out here and run hard. I’m going to give this city everything I’ve got every time I’m out there. I’m going to try my hardest to turn this program around and do whatever I can to do it.”