‘Lets Get To Work!’ Faith, family and now Cleveland Browns drive Miami WR Mike Harley

College of Miami receiver Mike Harley Jr. is a younger man of religion, household — and soccer, after all, since he was a bit man enjoying youth soccer at age 4 as a tiny defensive deal with at Southwest Saints Discipline in Fort Lauderdale.

His youth soccer journey continued for the Lauderdale Lakes Vikings and Broward Panthers at Riverland Park.

Subsequent cease: the Cleveland Browns, with whom he’ll signal as an undrafted free agent.

“Man Let’s Get To Work! #Browns,’’ Harley posted on social media Saturday evening.

Defensive deal with Jonathan Ford was the one Cane drafted, the thirteenth decide within the seventh spherical by the Inexperienced Bay Packers — 234th general.

Harley, the speedy, twitchy, 5-11 and 180-pound beginning slot receiver for the Hurricanes was barely talked about by analysts who put out mock drafts, regardless of a profession that had him end as UM’s record-holder for profession receptions (182) and single-game catches (13). However he defied the chances.

He additionally earned his diploma and is the daddy of 11-week-old Michael Anthony Harley III.

Harley, 23, ended the 2021 season because the second-leading receiver with 57 catches for 543 yards and 5 touchdowns. He completed his profession with 182 catches for two,158 yards and 15 touchdowns, surpassing Reggie Wayne for his profession catches mark.

Harley was a U.S. Military All-American four-star prospect out of Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Excessive Faculty who helped lead the Raiders to a Class 7A state championship his senior yr.

“That is all God’s doing,’’ mentioned Harley, who ran the 40-yard sprint March 30 on UM’s Professional Day in 4.46 seconds. “I’m a competitor. My recreation velocity, route-running, inside, slot, wideout, I can do all of it.

“They inform me to go at there at gunner, punt return, kick return I’m going to do it to one of the best of my capability….I confirmed plenty of guys I’m actually versatile. My velocity is there — recreation velocity most likely even quicker.’’

Mike Sr., a supervisor for Alsco Linen, and his spouse Timico, a hairstylist, had been in Fort Lauderdale with Mike and their household Saturday at a draft celebration hosted by Mike Jr.’s third-grade instructor Sarah Macci. Mike Sr. and Timico have six daughters, 4 of whom had been adopted, and two sons, together with their oldest, Mike.

“Everyone is collectively right this moment,’’ Mike Sr. mentioned Saturday morning, noting that his son would prevail no matter what unfolded. “Mentally, Mike is the strongest child on this planet. You’ll be able to attempt to push him to the aspect, however you can not break his spirit. He’s a winner, no matter no matter occurs.

“He’s going to be OK, and he’s going to show plenty of heads and plenty of groups are going to remorse not getting him, belief me.’’

Harley mentioned on Professional Day that his household’s help was a blessing.

“The remainder of my household, dad, siblings, mother, son [were there], he mentioned. “It was motivation, me being on the sector and looking out on the nook and [seeing] my household there. It jogged my memory of days after I was like 3 years previous first enjoying. Thanks God my dad and mom are nonetheless right here. Loads of guys don’t have their father right here. Grateful to have him in my nook.’’