Haroon ready to fill in for 'big brother'

Arizona Daily Wildcat Idris Haroon

However, Szlauko is now hampered by a bad back that will most likely sideline him against Washington State - giving him a chance to watch his student, redshirt freshman Idris Haroon get his turn to contribute.

The chance to start, however, is bittersweet for Haroon.

"I was kind of disappointed that Mike got hurt," Haroon said. "He is kind of my role model and big brother.

"Bur this gives me the opportunity to step up and prove to coach that I deserve playing time. Its time for me to grow up."

Haroon said that he has studied Szlauko carefully from the sidelines and has improved his pass-rushing techniques from it.

Coaches have noticed Haroon's improvement as well.

"Idris did a nice job last week," Tomey said. "He will be ready to step in."

Haroon recorded three tackles against Washington, including his first career sack, a 12-yard loss. He has six tackles on the season.

Haroon, who lived in Tucson over the summer, credits a strong offseason to his improved play. He had to spend some time rehabilitating a dislocated left knee cap, which he hurt in the Scout Bowl (a special part of practice that is for the back-ups and practice players on the Thursday before home games) last November.

"I had a good spring ball and physically got a lot bigger, faster, and stronger," said Haroon, who is from Houston and is good friends with the Glover brothers that are from El Paso, Texas. "Cochise is Cochise. It was physical and put a lot of hurt on us, but I benefited a lot from it."

This week, he is preparing for what could be his most significant playing time of the season and it is against the No. 10 team.

"I started watching a lot more film and learning a lot more about the opponent and the opponent's place," said the 6-foot-2, 245 pound former Blue Chip linebacker. "Basically, I have to be mentally ready to practice."

Although he knows his limitations, Haroon is aware of how he will be able to contribute.

"I bring mostly my enthusiasm and keeping the team and the defensive line up," Haroon said. "Physically, I don't have the same talent as Szlauko. He is a great athlete and brings a lot of speed and aggressiveness."