Penn State CB A.J. Harris looks to take big step in 2025
When up close next to A.J. Harris, it’s hard to miss the sleeve of tattoos littering his right arm. It’s even harder to miss the one written in red ink among a sea of black.
Written on Harris’ bicep is “one of one.” It’s a common saying among athletes, but it’s the perfect embodiment of the cornerback’s mindset heading into 2025.
He was selected to the Bronko Nagurski Award watch list, but the junior couldn’t care less about any preseason honor. Harris wants to prove he deserves it. He wants to show he’s the best defensive player in college football.
“It was an honor, but it really don’t mean too much again to me right now,” Harris said. “I gotta go actually earn the award, so I’m not really worried about the honors or the attention. I’m trying to actually go get the award.”
Harris had a solid season in 2024 with one interception, five pass breakups and four tackles for loss. He started all but one game, and earned All-Big Ten third team honors.
But Harris doesn’t feel like his numbers last season are indicative of the player he is. The ball wasn’t thrown his way very often, but the junior feels like he didn’t take full advantage of the times it was — something he hopes to change this year
