Penn State cornerback A.J. Harris has been included in a preseason watch list for a prestigious national award. On Wednesday, Harris was named to the watch list for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, an award that annually recognizes the defensive player who best exhibits the characteristics of Ronnie Lott by making an impact on and off the field.
Harris quickly defined himself as one of the Nittany Lions’ top defensive weapons after transferring from Georgia last offseason. In his first year in James Franklin’s program, Harris registered 48 tackles, four tackles for loss, one interception and five pass breakups, earning a third-team All-Big Ten honor by the coaches and media.
It’s early, but Harris has already been projected as a first-round selection in next year’s NFL draft by a handful of outlets, including ESPN. In this scenario, Harris would become the first Penn State defensive back ever taken in Round 1.
There should be quite a few Nittany Lions selected early in next year’s draft, Harris included. Drew Allar is expected to be one of the first quarterbacks off the board while defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, defensive tackle Zane Durant, running back Nick Singleton and offensive lineman Vega Ioane could also intrigue scouts within the first two rounds.
Dennis-Sutton was surprisingly left off this watch list after earning recognition for the award prior to last season.
Harris won’t have to do much to retain his starting role from last season. But it remains unclear who will start alongside him. Elliot Washington II has enjoyed a breakthrough offseason, and appears to be the favorite to fill the void left by Jalen Kimber. Audavion Collins, however, could drag the competition up until the season opener against Nevada on Aug. 30.
