After one-and-done seasons in the SEC with LSU and Texas A&M, Houston native Denver Harris is “a perfect match” at UTSA, Roadrunners head coach Jeff Traylor tells 247Sports.
When Denver Harris committed to Texas A&M in January 2022, he didn’t expect to be in San Antonio two years later. The former Top247 cornerback from Galena Park (Texas) North Shore was one of the most highly regarded defensive back recruits to emerge from Texas in recent years. His distinguished high school career included two state championships and nearly 40 scholarship offers.
Upon choosing Texas A&M, Harris joined the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class under Jimbo Fisher and immediately saw playing time, participating in five games. However, Harris faced two suspensions during his freshman year. Following a turbulent season, he transferred to LSU under new coach Brian Kelly.
Harris quickly found himself in trouble at LSU. In August 2023, he was disciplined after a practice altercation. Throughout the season, Harris missed the last weeks of fall camp due to “personal issues” but eventually made his way back onto the field, starting three games and appearing in five for the Tigers.
After missing more time due to personal issues, Harris re-entered the transfer portal and ended up at UTSA. The Roadrunners offered a strong support system, including head coach Jeff Traylor and former North Shore assistant Joe Price, now the UTSA wide receivers coach.
Upon Harris’s arrival in San Antonio, Traylor recognized the immense pressure Harris was under and decided to help him with his personal recovery.
“I felt like he was under a lot of pressure, and I didn’t want that for him,” Traylor told 247Sports. “I just wanted him to relax. I know it sounds cliché, but let’s focus on winning each day. Let’s be the best we can be every day. We’re just going to stack as many good days as we can, and so far, Denver has built a nice streak of great days.”