Iowa State starting LB Jordan Harris leaves program
A starter for Iowa State’s defense has decided to leave the program.
Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell announced Thursday that linebacker Jordan Harris will pursue a graduate transfer. Harris, a native of Clarksdale, Miss., hopes to play his final year of college football closer to home, the school said in a release.
“Jordan has done everything we have asked him to do since the first day I got here,” Campbell said. “He’s a great person and a great teammate. In our meetings recently, Jordan expressed interest in finishing out his career closer to his family. I have the utmost respect for Jordan and we will fully support him in his decision.”
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Harris began his career at the junior college level before arriving at Iowa State in 2014. He redshirted his first season with the program before breaking out as one of the team’s top defensive players in 2015. He started all 12 games and was third on the team with 70 tackles. He also registered five tackles for loss, one sack and one interception.
“Iowa State helped me become the man I am today,” Harris said. “From my teammates, the old coaching staff to the new coaching staff, everybody has played a big role in helping me. I am happy I got my degree from Iowa State, which will open up many more doors for me in the future. I want to finish out my final year where my family can be more involved.”
Harris told the Des Moines Register he hasn’t chosen a new school yet.
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The Cyclones have now lost three linebackers with starting experience this offseason. Both Levi Peters and Luke Knott decided to retire from football because of injuries.
Coming off a 3-9 record in 2015, ISU will open up the Campbell era on Sept. 5 at home against Northern Iowa.
For more Iowa State news, visit CycloneReport.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
