Ole Miss transfer DT Joshua Harris believes he will thrive in Pete Golding’s defense
Ole Miss Defensive Tackle Joshua Harris, who transferred to the Rebels after a career at North Carolina State, is very excited about the opportunity to play in the new defensive system brought to Oxford by first-year Defensive Coordinator Pete Golding.
The 6-4, 325-pounder explains why.
“At NC State I played nose in a 3-man front. I took a lot of double teams and basically just kept opposing offensive linemen off our linebackers,” Joshua noted. “There were not a lot of opportunities to make plays.
“Here, we are going to base out of a four-man front and the inside guys on the defensive front are going to be put in a position to make more plays by stunting and more often just have single blockers to beat. I can’t wait to play in this system. I loved it in spring and felt very comfortable in it.”
Harris going through spring gave him a big jump on the fall camp for reasons other than learning a new system.
“Of course learning my plays was the most important thing, but it was good to get to know the guys I’m playing with. I think we have a very good chemistry going – I like all my teammates and am glad I came here in spring to make those connections before the season,” he added.
Joshua believes the Rebel defensive front, and the defense as a whole, will be salty this year.
“I think we have a solid two-deep across the board at every position,” he said. “We’re two-deep up front. I believe we are going to be able to stay fresh and finish games strong.”
Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris
Harris will also play some nose tackle when Golding does go with an odd front.
He’s a fan of the other Harris on the defensive line – Zxavian – as well.
“Big Zav is really developing well. He’s young and has things to learn, but he runs real well and works hard so it’s only a matter of time before he starts using that big body to its potential,” said Joshua.
Harris says his strength is being good against the run.
“I’m hard to move off the ball and I’m pretty good at splitting double teams,” he assessed. “What I’m working on this summer is pass rush technique and the use of my hands. I have a good teacher in (DL) Coach (Randall) Joyner. I’ll get there with effort and his help.”
Harris is an appreciative recipient of an NIL contract with The Grove Collective.
His appreciation centers around more than himself.
“I have two kids (daughter Aylah, pronounced Ila, and son Joshua, Jr.) to support and they can be expensive,” he closed. “The NIL I have with the Grove Collective is a big source of my income. I am very thankful for NIL and for The Grove Collective, obviously. It’s a relief to be able to take care of your children.”
Harris impacted the defensive line in spring and he’s projected to do the same in fall.
His talents will be needed with the rigors of the 12-game season on the way.
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