Ole Miss Rebels' Zxavian Harris Reveals Thoughts During Late Blocked Field Goal vs. Texas A&M

The Ole Miss Rebels won a thriller over Texas A&M on Saturday, and a large part of that is due to Zxavian Harris.

OXFORD, Miss. -- Zxavian Harris has turned into a difference maker for the No. 10 Ole Miss Rebels.

Not only has he totaled 20 tackles so far this season, but he also came in clutch last week against the Texas A&M Aggies on special teams. As the Aggies lined up for a potential game-tying field goal as time expired, Harris managed to get just enough of the ball to alter its course and make it fall harmlessly to the turf.

"I don't know what was going through my mind," Harris said on Monday. "I was just looking and said, 'I'm about to get this ball.' When the ball was in the air, I said 'I tipped it! I tipped it!' I was happy for that."

Nov 4, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Zxavian Harris (51) and JJ Pegues (89) watch as the Texas A&M Aggies last second field goal attempt misses during the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports / © Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Harris is a part of a large rotation on Pete Golding's new Ole Miss defense, and while he may not play every snap, he feels that it's to his (and his teammates') benefit. He states that there isn't really any fatigue late in the season on his side of the ball and that everyone "has fresh legs."

"I feel well-rounded," Harris said. "Pete's defense has me everywhere. I can fit into any spot and play every position. It's really normal."

Now as a sophomore, Harris can look back on his first season of college ball as a learning experience. Many of the nerves that came last season are now gone, and he can simply focus on playing to his potential. He explained on Monday what the biggest change in Year 1 and Year 2 has been for him.

"Mindset," Harris said. "Definitely mindset. With more experience under my belt, it's clearer to me. I wasn't scared or as nervous as I was as a freshman. I know what I'm doing now and know the details to do my job."

That lack of fear came up big on Saturday, and it will be put to the test again this week as the Rebels travel to face the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs in Athens. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. CT, and the game will be televised on ESPN.