Griz DE Hayden Harris Talks His Time At UCLA Compared to UM

Starting defensive end for the Montana Grizzlies defense Hayden Harris has come into his own in Missoula. Harris finished the opening night 28-25 win over Missouri State with 2 sacks, including one on the final drive to help seal the victory. A move from the West Coast to the mountains doesn't come easy though. A lot of work goes into it.

"It takes a lot to transfer. You're in a whole new environment, you're with a whole new group of guys, the program could be completely different," explained Harris. "Just getting settled in. Not even talking football, just in general coming to a new place, meeting new people, being in a completely new environment. It definitely takes a transition period."

Head Coach Bobby Hauck has mirrored the sentiment, saying it takes half a season to fully acclimate to a program, especially when you're making a stark change from Los Angeles to Missoula.

"At UCLA it was a lot different, in terms of the stadium," said Harris. "The Rose Bowl is really iconic and that was really a special experience for me, but in terms of the gameday atmosphere, it's pristine here at Montana. The fans give you everything you would ever want. They're always there to show up, being around town with you saying 'hi' saying 'what's up,' it's just the best fan base ever I've been apart of."

"In terms of academically, I'm looking to get my master's in business administration... as well as proximity to home so my parents could come and watch me play. That was really important for me, so it was a pretty easy decision for me."

Harris hails from Mill Creek, Washington north of Seattle.

But more importantly, what are Harris' favorite Missoula restaurants? I only ask the hard-hitting questions.

"Paul's Pancake Parlor is my favorite breakfast spot in town. The Breakfast Club is also really good... In terms of other places, The Depot is really good. That's where they took me on my official visit."

For the full interview with Harris can be found below on The Daily Drive With Ace Sauerwein podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts.