Who simulated Aaron Donald on the Patriots' scout team? Look to the 'Toolbox'

ATLANTA — If the Patriots hold Rams star Aaron Donald in check on Sunday night in Super Bowl LIII, you can thank an unheralded practice squad player for giving the offensive line a good look in practice.

It's all part of the Toolbox.

Trent "Toolbox" Harris, an undrafted free agent out of the University of Miami, has been simulating the four-time, first-team All-Pro and reigning Defensive Player of the Year (he could pick up another on Saturday night).

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We've heard about scout team players simulating athletic quarterbacks, receivers and even edge rushers. But interior players are a bit different. Still, the Patriots are doing it. Offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia said the Patriots are even having Harris line up on the Patriots' line of scrimmage to simulate Donald's immense quickness.

"We do some things to try to level the playing field like that," Scarnecchia said. "Trent Harris is playing Aaron Donald. He’s not 280 pounds (he's 255 pounds) but he has really good quickness, he’s an explosive guy, he gives us the movement we need to see.

"We have him cheat up, get on our side of the ball just to make it harder for the line. He’s done this for weeks for us. He’s acquitted himself well and given us looks that we need to see. Look we’re not in pads anymore so you have to be able to take everything as good as you can get it, and he’s certainly done that for us."

Harris picked up the Toolbox nickname from Hurricanes coaches because he's "smart, equipped to handle any situation and is relentless." Bill Belichick attended the Miami pro day workout. Harris was not invited to the combine.

Harris had a strong preseason — he led the team with 2.5 sacks and performed well in one-on-ones during practice — but it's hard to find a position for him at his weight. He seems to be too small for edge and not developed enough for standup linebacker. But there's a reason he's on the practice squad.

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The Patriots don't make their practice squad players available to the media, but Harris' teammates and coaches were happy to talk him up.

"Toolbox?" Elandon Roberts said. "That guy works hard all the time. He does a great job in practice."

Harris takes his practice preparation seriously. He watched a lot of Donald film to prepare for his role.

"Oh absolutely," said defensive line coach Brendan Daly. "I’ll just say this, speaking about Trent Harris specifically: you wouldn’t have to ask him to do that, he’s all over it. And absolutely, he went and watched reels and reels of tape of Aaron Donald. Let’s be honest, if you’re picking somebody to have to go and study, that’s going to be a pretty fun period of time where you’re watching.

"That kid has done everything we’ve asked him to do, gone above and beyond. The quality and effort he puts into practice is part of the reason why he was asked to play that role that week. To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure you can simulate Aaron Donald."

Left guard Joe Thuney, who is likely to see the most of Donald, praised Harris for giving him a good look in practice.

"Yeah, he’s a really hard worker, he’s a great teammate, he plays really hard and he really gives us a great look," said Thuney. "I know he studies hard, which is great. I think it’s all part of practice and trying to give a good look."