Harmer a big play threat for the Saints

Interlake wide receiver Naoki Harmer is looking forward to the 2015 season

By Shaun Scott • June 25, 2015 3:46 pm

Interlake Saints junior wide receiver Naoki Harmer isn’t afraid to go over the middle on the gridiron.

Harmer, who is the Saints’ starting slot receiver, earned Class 3A KingCo first-team all league honors as a sophomore and is gearing up for an even bigger junior campaign. Harmer enjoys being one of the elder-statesmen on a squad loaded with potential. The Saints started off the 2014 season with a 3-3 overall record but lost the final three games of the season down the stretch, finishing 3-6 overall. Harmer doesn’t expect to see those same results this fall. The Saints have been pushing themselves in the sweltering heat of spring practice sessions in preparation for the fall season. The mix of returning varsity starters and eager newcomers bodes well for the Saints program.

“A lot of the guys are new and are coming up from the JV team. They didn’t play varsity last year, but now I want to set the bar high for them in practice with regards to structure and tempo,” Harmer said. “We have a lot of good athletes and have a lot of good skill guys.”

The biggest question mark going into the 2015 season is the Saints’ offensive and defensive lines. Interlake head coach David Myers said he expects three sophomores to be in the starting lineup for their opener against the Foster Bulldogs in early September.

“They are young but they are strong and are pretty passionate about lifting weights and getting the work in they need to do,” Harmer said.

The Saints offense is predicated on speed and tempo. The Saints emulate the Philadelphia Eagles’ strategy of getting as many plays in as possible on every possession.

“We like to run the no-huddle and just move the ball down the field. We’re not a big team at all so we got to stick with our strengths,” Harmer said.

The 5 foot, 10-inch, 145-pound Harmer may lack size but he doesn’t lack the most important attributes needed in a football player — speed and quickness.

“I really like getting the ball on short passes because it allows me to make big plays and big runs,” Harmer said. “I like to catch a lot of long passes too. I like to try to burn people.”

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Harmer a few questions about his life away from the football field.

Bellevue Reporter: How many text messages do you send per day?

Naoki Harmer: I probably send between 15 to 20. I use messenger more than texting.

BR: What is your dream vacation spot?

NH: Hawaii or Japan.

BR: What is your favorite eatery in Bellevue?

NH: Chick-fil-A. It just opened and it’s super good. I love it so much.

BR: Who was your favorite sports team growing up?

NH: The Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners.

BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

NH: A lot of people don’t know that I speak fluent Japanese.

BR: What is your favorite TV show?