Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1537537
7 6 A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M / / / / / / / 2 0 2 5 F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / "I can really just kind of focus on my group, because I'm not really that vo- cal of a leader. I'm always sort of like a take-action type of guy. You see how I go about my business, and if I see you not going about your business the correct way, then I'm calling you out on your stuff. "With the younger guys, I'm just mak- ing sure that I'm the standard. When I call them out on this stuff, they under- stand that I work just as hard, and it's coming from a good place." Speaking during spring practice, Smith was quick to point out Harris' growth, including his ever-improving ability to guide his teammates. "He's done a tremendous job of creat- ing leadership in the room," Smith said. "His attention to detail, his intentional performance every day of practice — he's at another level right now. He is every- thing we thought. He finished the season strong last year. This guy will be an All- American candidate. He's fantastic and he's locked in. He's super smart. He's working on his mental game. I'm really happy with where he's at right now." Great Expectations Harris is at the top of Smith's cor- nerbacks room, which features an in- teresting mixture of age groups, experi- ence levels and production. There are four true freshmen — Xxavier Thomas, Joshua Johnson, Jahmir Joseph and Quick Facts Position coaches: Terry Smith (corner- backs, 12th season); Anthony Poindexter (safeties, fifth season) Returning starters: CB A.J. Harris (15 ca- reer starts), S Zakee Wheatley (16) Departing starters: CB Jalen Kimber (15), S Jaylen Reed (29) Projected new starters: CB Elliot Wash- ington II, S Dejuan Lane, S King Mack or Zion Tracy Top reserves: CB Audavion Collins, CB Daryus Dixson, S Lamont Payne Jr., S Vaboue Toure Newcomers: CB Daryus Dixson, CB Jahmir Joseph, CB Joshua Johnson, CB Xxavier Thomas, S King Mack, S Braz Thomas Since transferring from Georgia to Penn State ahead of the 2024 season, Harris has won third-team All-Big Ten honors and is being projected as a potential first-round NFL Draft pick in 2026. PHOTO BY STEVEN WALTER/PENN STATE ATHLETICS