All Tar Heels

UNC Football: Tar Heels Swipe NC State Veteran From Transfer Portal

Jakeen Harris brings a wealth of experience to next year's UNC football secondary.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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Somewhat out of the blue on Monday evening, former NC State safety Jakeen Harris wished all Tar Heels a "Merry Christmas" in his post on social media announcing his commitment to the UNC football program. He entered the transfer portal in late November.

Harris played five seasons for the rival Wolfpack. However, a season-ending injury early in the 2023 campaign allowed him the opportunity to redshirt and maintain his final year of eligibility (stemming from the NCAA not counting the 2020 COVID-impacted season against anyone's eligibility).

Across his 45 games for NC State, the 5-foot-10, 190-pound former three-star prep, a Georgia native who visited the Tar Heels in 2018 during his recruitment, totaled 167 tackles, 11 passes defended, and four interceptions.

As a sophomore in 2020, his most productive season, Harris finished with seven pass breakups, the eighth most in the ACC that year.

Thus far, including Jakeen Harris, UNC football head coach Mack Brown and his staff have reeled in four transfers for next season. The first three all came from the SEC: former Georgia offensive tackle Austin Blaske and a pair of brothers from Texas A&M in quarterback Max Johnson and tight end Jake Johnson.

They will be newbies in Chapel Hill alongside the nation's 27th-ranked recruiting haul, consisting of 27 early Tar Heel signees.

Tar Heels Secure Talented Siblings From Transfer Portal

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC football news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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