Penn State Lands A.J. Harris From Transfer Portal

Blue-White Illustrated first reported that Harris had committed to Penn State, and Lions247 has since confirmed.

This could fill a big need for head coach James Franklin.

Penn State will go into 2024 without its top two corners from this past season in Kalen King, who declared for the NFL Draft, and Johnny Dixon, who’s out of eligibility. PSU’s also losing nickel back Daequan Hardy, who declared for the Draft after five seasons with the program. Harris, a former five-star recruit, will start at Penn State after a season at UGA before he entered the transfer portal.

He played in seven games his first year, making eight tackles (three solo). Harris came to Georgia after putting together a fantastic career at Alabama’s Central Phenix High School, where Penn State CB coach Terry Smith was among those who recruited him.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart had good things to say about Harris on National Signing Day 2022.

“Competitiveness,” Smart said. “I mean, he loves football. Number one traits you look for now is how much do you love football, how much can you process information, because after you height, weight, jump, test everybody, it becomes, what knowledge can you handle in between your ears? I think he is going to excel at that. He takes notes. He is very bright, and he wants it. He is hungry. That’s a part that I can’t coach into him.”

Penn State’s had success in producing CBS during the Franklin era, with King and Joey Porter Jr. being among those successes. We’ll see if Harris becomes another one. He has three years of eligibility left.