Oregon Football Running Back Jay Harris: Unique Journey To Ducks

Oregon Ducks running back Jay Harris did not have a D1 scholarship offer coming out of high school. The big, physical running back is going to be hard to tackle in Big Ten Conference play.

Bri Amaranthus | May 7, 2024

Oregon running back Jay Harris works out during practice with the Oregon Ducks Saturday, April 6, / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA

How does an unnoticed high school running back end up contending for playing time with the Oregon Ducks, a team with the fourth-best odds to win a national championship in the 2024 season?

Meet Oregon football transfer Jay Harris.

Oregon running back Jay Harris works out during practice with the Oregon Ducks Saturday, April 6, / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA

Harris was an all-state running back and cornerback for his high school team, Timberland (Missouri) High School in 2022, but did not garner a single offer from a Division I school. He landed at D II Northwest Missouri State, where he ran for 1,1433 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023. Despite the success, there were still doubters about Harris’ ability to adapt to Power Five football, specifically the physical competition from the Big Ten Conference.

Harris understands the difference between these two levels of college football.

“Guys are bigger, stronger, faster," Harris said during Oregon football's spring practices. "Coming out here to play more competition and getting better each day with those guys. I’ve adapted pretty well.”

Harris also got the attention of Oregon coach Dan Lanning during spring workouts.

“Still needs to work on the details; learning what he needs to be doing consistently,” said coach Lanning. “But was a solid practice from him.”

The 2024 spring game gave Harris the opportunity to display his talents. The 6-foot-2, 215 pound running back finished with 52 yards on 11 carries and a 24-yard touchdown reception. His performance helps solidify his role in what could be a crowded running back game, which includes Jordan James, Jayden Limar and Noah Whittington.

While each has their role to play, Harris brings size and power to the position.

“He’s a big physical guy,” said fellow running back James. “He’s hard to tackle. He’s going to be hard to bring down. He’s going to be somebody that helps us win games.”

No one has said the transition from D II to D I is easy. Yet, Harris exhibits the drive and the tools to make the jump. He may have been ignored and underrated along the way, but all indications point to a big year—and considerable attention—for this powerful Oregon running back.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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Published May 7, 2024

BRI AMARANTHUS

Bri Amaranthus is an Emmy-winning sports reporter with over 12 years of experience in television, radio, podcasting, and digital sports journalism. She has been with Sports Illustrated for four years, providing breaking news, exclusive interviews, and analysis on the NFL, college sports, and the NBA. Prior to joining SI, Bri hosted NBC Sports Northwest's prime-time television show, where she also served as the Oregon beat reporter and created content covering both the NBA and college sports. Throughout her career, Bri has achieved significant milestones, including covering major events like the NBA Finals, NFL playoffs, College Football Playoff, NCAA Basketball Tournament, NFL Draft, and the NFL Combine. She earned a D1 scholarship to play softball at the University of San Diego and won two state softball titles in high school in Oregon. In addition to her Emmy win for NBC's All-Star Coach special, she has received multiple Emmy nominations, highlighting her dedication and talent in sports journalism.