The Tennessee Titans are relying on sophomore cornerback Marcus Harris to take a developmental step forward this season. The unquestioned starting nickelback in Robert Saleh's defense, Harris has routinely been praised for the growth he's showcased this offseason. The Titans are legitimately excited about his potential.
A sixth-round pick in 2025, Harris began his rookie campaign on the bench. He was eventually elevated into the starting lineup after starting nickel Roger McCreary was traded. Harris' season ended on IR, but he showed enough potential in five starts to warrant an extended look this season.
Harris recently spoke exclusively with Titan Sized. The former California standout discussed starting in Saleh's defense, latest reactions to the secondary, joint practice with the Seattle Seahawks, and more. Harris could be a breakout player in 2026.
Marcus Harris discusses Tennessee Titans' secondary ahead of joint practice with Seattle Seahawks
JM: You made your first career start against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9 last year. What was your mindset like heading into that opportunity?
Marcus Harris: I embraced that opportunity by accepting the challenge. I wanted to prove my worth to the organization as a starter. I trusted my training and preparation when my number got called.
JM: What did you learn from a guy like Roger McCreary, who was the starting nickel before you stepped into the lineup last season?
Marcus Harris: It was all about learning the little things. There were so many little nuggets shared with me by Roger [McCreary] and my other veteran teammates as well. I had a lot to learn. It was about honing in on the details and going back to basics. I had to execute.
I didn’t take those opportunities for granted. I never let ego get in the way of getting better.
JM: You're the unquestioned starting nickelback heading into 2026. Why are you better prepared now than you were as a rookie?
Marcus Harris: Repetition is everything. I’ve gotten a lot more reps since then. I’ve earned the trust of this new coaching staff. The more times you do something, the better you get at it, and the more confident you become. That plays a huge role.
JM: What have you learned from nickel coach Dalton Hilliard? With such few true slot corners on the roster, it must almost feel like you have a position coach just for yourself.Â
Marcus Harris: Coach Dalton Hilliard is great. He’s done an awesome job with three nickel cornerbacks we have in our position room. We have an additional two defensive backs we’ve been rotating in at nickel. So, there’s like five of us in that position room sometimes.
Coach Hilliard is doing a great job teaching us those details and providing us with those smaller nuggets I was alluding to earlier. It’s been fun to be in that room. It’s been detail oriented.
JM: Head coach Robert Saleh is excited about your potential. He’s brought your name up unprompted at times this offseason. You must appreciate having that vote of confidence from him.
Marcus Harris: That’s cool, I didn’t even know that happened (laughs). It obviously feels great. Coach Robert Saleh sees great things in me. He’s been lifting me up this entire time. It’s a great feeling. I’m trying to take this opportunity and run with it.
JM: Much is being said about the secondary and how it struggled versus the San Francisco 49ers in the first preseason game. Why is that being blown out of proportion?
Marcus Harris: People are always going to have an opinion about how we perform, whether good or bad. We got back in the building the day after that game and made the proper corrections and adjustments in order to make sure we learned from it.
We have a higher standard for ourselves. We want to compete on a better level than we did in that game. We know we can play up to a higher standard.
JM: What have been the challenges of learning this new system in the secondary?
Marcus Harris: Learning the terminology of a new system is always the first challenge. Learning what we’re okay with giving up and what we’re trying to take away as a secondary is also new. We had to get familiar with that.
Every scheme is different. Myself, Amani Hooker, and Kevin Winston Jr. played together in a different system last year. We have Cor’Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor, who obviously played in different systems.
We’re all trying to get on the same page in this system. We’re learning the terminology. We want to think fast, play fast. That’s the goal at the end of the day anytime you’re in a new system.
JM: What do you appreciate about this defense and its coverage rules?
Marcus Harris: I love how aggressive this defense is. We want to play freely while applying our football IQ to what we’re doing. It’s all about talent and knowledge. We want to make as many plays as possible.
We’re playing with a lot of freedom and aggressiveness.
JM: You have joint practice with the Seattle Seahawks today [8/21]. The secondary must be looking forward to the challenge. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the reigning Offensive Player of the Year. He’s a handful in coverage.
Marcus Harris: We’re definitely looking forward to the challenge. We’re treating it like any other opportunity. We’re ready to attack the process.
JM: This has been fantastic. What are Marcus Harris’ goals for the 2026 season?
Marcus Harris: I want to help the Tennessee Titans win as many games as possible. I have designs on being an impact player.
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