Justin Harrell attended Westview High School in Martin, Tennessee where he played football and basketball. He was a three-year starter on the basketball team, averaging 17 points per game as a senior. As a junior, Justin caught 21 passes for 291 yards and 3 touchdowns on offense, while totaling 61 tackles on defense. As a senior he caught 18 passes for 354 yards and 6 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball he totaled 72 tackles and 4 sacks, helping Westview to a 13-2 record. He was named first team all-state and Tennesse’s “Mr. Football”. He was selected to play in the Tennessee vs. Georgia all-star game after the season. Justin accepted a scholarship to Tennessee where he sat out the 2002 season as a redshirt. He had surgery on his right leg the following March, causing him to miss half of spring practices. A broken ankle kept Justin out of the first five games of the 2003 season. He returned to see action in the final 8 games finishing with 10 tackles on the year. As a sophomore, Justin started 11 games at defensive tackle, totaling 26 tackles, 1 ½ sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He started all 11 games as a junior, setting career highs in tackles (39), sacks (2 ½), interceptions (2), and touchdowns (1). He was named defensive MVP for his performance in the Cotton Bowl. He received second team all-SEC honors for his play as a junior. Justin saw action in just three games as a senior due to a ruptured biceps tendon. He finished the season with 7 tackles. Justin opted not to apply for a medical redshirt and will enter the 2007 NFL draft.

Justin Harrell has been starting at defensive tackle for Tennessee for two of the past three seasons, missing his senior season due to injury. He is a hard worker with a good combination of size, strength and athleticism for a defensive tackle. He has a quick first step which allows him to beat most offensive linemen off the snap. He penetrates the line and makes a lot of plays in the backfield. He has good athleticism for a player his size. Justin is a very good run stopper who displays good tackling technique. He is a tough player who will play through injuries. Though he suffered a season ending injury vs. Air Force, Justin put off surgery for a week so he could play against Florida. Despite his strength, Justin does have trouble shedding blocks of opposing offensive linemen at times. Durability is going to be the biggest concern for Harrell. He missed half of spring practices in 2003 due to a leg injury. He later broke his ankle, causing him to miss the first five games of that season. Then as a senior he had a ruptured biceps tendon which caused him to miss the majority of the season. If he can stay healthy, Justin has the ability to become a very good defensive tackle at the next level. Durability questions will hurt his draft stock but he could still be selected in the first or second round of the 2007 NFL draft.