HBCU Legends

Trei Oliver Reveals Critical Walker Harris Update For Aggie-Eagle Classic

Coach Trei updates the status of starting signal-caller Walker Harris.

Kyle T. Mosley

NCCU QB Walker Harris
NCCU QB Walker Harris / Credit: Orange Blossom Classic
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North Carolina Central's head coach, Trei Oliver, confirmed that Walker Harris will start against North Carolina A&T, as Chris Clark of WNCN reported.

"Walker's well," Oliver told Clark. "He finished concussion protocol. He was cleared to play. He will be here practicing today. And he'll get some reps, along with the freshman. Walker is going to play Saturday." He continued, "Right now, he's projected to start, but we'll see how practice goes today."

The long-standing Aggie-Eagle Classic is a rivalry between the two schools, synonymous with being one of the best in collegiate football. NCCU vs. NC A&T have been competing against each other since 1922. Saturday's contest will be their sixth meeting at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

Last week, the Eagles suffered a 45-10 loss to UNC. They were hopeful for a rebound win versus the Aggies with Walker Harris returning from concussion protocol. Harris completed 7 of 15 passes for 88 yards, but the Tar Heels sacked him twice. He's thrown for 388 yards and two touchdowns this season.

Leading rusher J'Mari Taylor has 59 rushing attempts for 228 yards, four rushing TDs, five receptions for 39 yards, one receiving touchdown, and 267 all-purpose yards.

Walker Harris - NCCU
Walker Harris - NCCU / Credit: Orange Blossom Classic Committee

NCCU opened the UNC game with a 75-yard drive as J'Mari Taylor dashed into the end zone on a 5-yard scamper to lead 7-0. However, the Tar Heels held the advantage in the second half to win 45-10.

The Aggies suffered a 42-13 defeat at home against Delaware, allowing 526 yards of total offense and managing only 74 yards rushing. It will be difficult for Coch Brown's team to move the football on a tough Eagles defensive front. After three games, the Aggies' quarterback, Kevin White, has completed 62% of his passes for 435 yards and one touchdown.

NCCU (1-2) has a two-game winning streak over NC A&T (1-2), a 3.5-point underdog. The Eagles defeated the Aggies, 30-16, in the last matchup on Sept. 9, 2023. NC A&T has a 54-36-5 all-time series lead in their 96 games.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: