Former Patriot A.J. Harris Transfers To Alabama A&M
MADISON- A.J. Harris recently stepped into Patton Hall on the campus of Alabama A&M University and with a quick swipe of a pen registered as a student-athlete for the Bulldogs after transferring from Ole Miss after two seasons with the Rebels’ program. The former Bob Jones All-State and highly recruited safety said he needed to come home.
“I just felt the need to come home and with all of the coaching coaches that went on at Ole Miss I just didn’t feel comfortable,” said Harris.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Harris did not see any action his freshman year and only stepped onto the field for Ole Miss in two games during the 2018 season. He knows he has a lot to offer any football program, but with the coaching carousel with head coach and defensive coordinator positions being changed, the consensus three-star high school prospect decided to pack his cleats and books and make the move to coincide with his 20th birthday this month.
“Once I made known I was to transfer from Ole Miss several schools such as Vanderbilt, Lamar University, Grambling State and Florida contacted me about making the move to their programs,” said Harris, who would have to sit out a year if he transferred to another Southeastern Conference school. “I didn’t want to sit out, so I decided to make my way close to home and play at A&M where I’ve been told I would play this fall.”
Harris will receive a full scholarship with Alabama A&M and play under second year head coach Connell Maynor who in 2018 led the Bulldogs (6-5) to their first winning season since 2012. Harris will live off campus with a teammate.
The speedster has been clocked at 4.38 and will have three years remaining eligibility while studying for a degree in finance. Using the initials A.J., which stands for “Anthony Jr.” (Anthony Wayne Harris, Jr.), Harris played at Discovery Middle School before making his way to Bob Jones becoming an All-State selection as a junior and becoming highly recruited receiving as any as 600 pieces of mail during his recruiting process, which Harris said can be full of hills and valleys.
“Yes, lots of ups and downs as many coaches are just trying to get the best recruiting class and care little about you personally,” said Harris of his experience in the recruiting wars.
Up until school started, Harris was busy going through numerous football and conditioning drills and indulging in his favorite pastime of playing pool.
“I’m excited and ready to get started back at football,” added Harris.
