Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris ready to help the Rebels in any way he can
OXFORD, Miss. — In a game that seemed destined to go into overtime, Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris blocked what would have been the game-tying field goal for Texas A&M, giving the Rebs a 38-35 win last Saturday in Vaught-Hemingway.
From Friday nights at The Ranch to College Gamedays….way to go Zxavian Harris! A blocked field goal for Ole Miss to win the game! #gomavs #welcometotheranch https://t.co/vZlGmmN0xJ
— Germantown Mavericks (@GHSMavericks) November 5, 2023
Harris talked earlier this week about the final play from his perspective.
“Man, I don’t even know what was going through my mind. I was just looking, I said, ‘I’m going to get this ball.’ The whole time I said, ‘I’m about to grab it, I’m about to get it.’ So when I put my hand up, it just hit my fingertip. I said, ‘yea, I tipped it.’ When the ball was in the air, I said, ‘I tipped it! I tipped it!’ I was happy.”
Zxavian Harris on blocking the field goal against A&M
The 6-foot-7, 335-pound sophomore went farther by saying that he has been on the field goal block team since middle school and that there were at least 20 field goals he blocked before arriving at Ole Miss. Zxavian added that every time he touches the field in an attempt to prevent a field goal, his thoughts are simple.
“That’s all that’s going through my head—block, block, penetrate, disruption.”
Zxavian Harris
Defensive line teammate Jared Ivey talked about the job Harris does and the work he puts in.
“Yeah, Zay’s got an unbelievable motor, unbelievable work ethic. He’s an extremely disruptive player. We call him a crash dummy. He’s just one of those guys who just goes. he doesn’t have an off switch, he doesn’t pick and choose when he’s going to go hard. I think you can really see that on field goal block.”
Jared Ivey on Zxavian Harris
Harris has totaled 20 tackles, 11 solo, on the season while being a crucial part of the interior defensive line, alongside Akelo Stone, JJ Pegues, Stephon Wynn Jr., and Joshua Harris.
There have even been times when Jared Ivey, Issac Ukwu, and Cedric Johnson have been used in the defensive tackle position. With the constant rotation put in place by defensive coordinator Pete Golding, Harris says that he feels a new level of versatility in 2023.
“I feel well-rounded. Pete’s defense has me anywhere; I can fit in at any spot and play every position.”
Zxavian Harris
Another change for Harris, with the help of Golding, has been his mindset, something he says he struggled with as a freshman in the SEC last season.
“I have more experience under my belt, it feels clearer to me,” Harris said. “My mind wasn’t as nervous as it was when I was a freshman. I know what I am doing now. I know all of the details and just have to do my job.”
Looking more into this week’s opponent, it is no secret the Georgia offensive line is a force to be reckoned with. They have facilitated quarterback Carson Beck to throw for the second-most passing yards in the SEC while boosting their rushing attack, which is averaging 167 yards per game and fifth in the SEC.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, Harris and the defensive line are second in the SEC in sacks and fifth in the nation, averaging 3.44 per game. When Zxavian was asked about the task of the Bulldogs’ offensive line, his response showed confidence but also respect for the highly talented group.
“Georgia has a good offensive line, but I feel like we can get after them. They are pretty good, especially their left tackle,” Harris said.
To see who will win the battle in the trenches, tune in Saturday at 6 p.m. on ESPN. Hotty Toddy!
