Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1526526
1 8 O C T O B E R 2 0 2 4 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M Having lost three All-Big Ten corner- backs following the 2023 season, Penn State knew it would need to replenish its secondary in the transfer portal. Sopho- more A.J. Harris was one of two accom- plished Power Four cornerbacks to answer the Nittany Lions' call. A four-star prosect and the No. 3 cor- nerback nationally in the On3 Industry Ranking, Harris had signed with Georgia and played in seven games for the Bull- dogs last year. After seeing his playing time diminish late in the season, he de- cided to move on, joining the Nittany Li- ons alongside another transfer from SEC country, senior Jalen Kimber, formerly of Florida and Georgia. Harris and Kimber both started for Penn State in its season-opening 34-12 victory at West Virginia. The two new- comers played key roles in helping hold a talented Mountaineer offense to 161 passing yards, and they finished with nearly identical stat lines: 3 tackles and 1 breakup apiece. With several of Penn State's returning cornerbacks on the rise, no one's start- ing job is safe this year. Ahead of the Nit- tany Lions' home opener against Bowling Green, Harris talked about the team's tal- ented cornerback corps and why he chose to join it. QUESTION: What did it mean to you to get the start in your first Penn State game, and how would you evaluate your performance against West Virginia? HARRIS: "It meant the world to me, just getting my first opportunity to play for Penn State. The program has really welcomed me with open arms, so I just wanted to go out and leave it all out there on the field for my team and my coaching staff. "We had a pretty good showing as a defense. We had a great game. The cor- nerbacks room was a question mark com- ing into the season, and I thought we had a great start." QUESTION: How did you find out that you were going to start, and what was your reaction? HARRIS: "It was actually the night before. We were going through our meet- ings with [cornerbacks] coach Terry Smith and just going over the keys to vic- tory. We were going over personnel, and I remember Coach saying that me and Jalen Kimber would get to start. It was just im- mediate focus, laser focus — that was my mindset. And gratitude. I was thankful for the opportunity." QUESTION: What did you do during the offseason to put yourself in position to earn that starting assignment? HARRIS: "I'd say just trying my best to be a pro. I feel like your ultimate goal is the NFL, and you can't wait to live that lifestyle or to be a pro. "I improved my body and made sure I was as ready as possible for the season, didn't leave any stones unturned. I made sure I did all my work, everything on my end, and just left it up to the coaching staff. The coaching staff knows what's best at the end of the day." QUESTION: Tom Allen is in his first season as defensive coordinator. How do you feel his defense fits your skills? HARRIS: "I feel that it fits me well. That was also a reason why I chose to come here. Prior to me making that de- cision, I talked to Coach Allen about his defense, his philosophies, what he be- lieved in, and it just aligned with winning football on the defensive side. "I believe it truly fits me. There's a lot of man [coverage], some zone where I can get my eyes on the quarterback. I feel like that fits my game well." QUESTION: What have you seen from Jalen Kimber since you two arrived at Penn State earlier this year? What's your scouting report on him? HARRIS: "Calm, cool, collected, level-headed, poised, sees the game, knows what's coming before it comes. He's someone who could mentor the room in a way. "Jalen has been a great teammate, because he's the older guy. He has the advantage of having seen it all. That's helped this room stay calm, cool and collected. That's just the personality he has, and I believe it rubs off on our room. "When Jalen needs to talk, he talks. He doesn't say much, so when he does say something, everybody listens. I be- lieve that helped us a lot this offseason." QUESTION: When you were at Georgia, you were surrounded by play- ers who had been part of a national championship. What did you learn from being around guys like that, and do you see a similar mentality from your team- mates at Penn State? HARRIS: "I've been around a lot of those types of players and still have re- lationships and bonds with those play- ers at my previous university. And I do see a lot of similarities. "I believe we just need to stay in the moment … and not focus on any of the outside noise. Everything will take care of itself, I believe. Be where your feet are. Be in the moment and be present." ■ Sitting Down With Sophomore Cornerback A.J. Harris Harris made the first start of his college career in Penn State's season-opening victory at West Virginia. PHOTO BY STEVE MANUEL