‘At my house the next day’: Ole Miss made sure Joshua Harris’ stay in the transfer portal was short

There’s nothing like being first.

At least that was the case with transfer DT Joshua Harris and his off-season courtship with Ole Miss football. He transferred in from NC State.

“I went in the portal and Ole Miss was at my house the next day,” the 6-foot-4, 325-pound Harris said Tuesday, following the Rebels’ most recent practice of spring.

“That told me they had a lot of interest in me and that they wanted me to fill in that position with K.D. (Hill) leaving. The coaches stood out to me as well. I felt like I could come to Ole Miss and get further developed. There was a need for a defensive tackle here and I’m glad to fill that void.”

Harris said he couldn’t be happier 10 practices into spring drills, especially with new Defensive Coordinator Pete Golding’s defensive system.

“I’m loving it, man,” he continued. “It’s a system designed for the D-linemen to make plays – all the stunts we are installing and everything. We are also running plays to take blockers off the linebackers so they can make plays.

“He’s a great guy who brings a lot of energy and is definitely for us. I love it. I’m also loving playing for Coach (Randall) Joyner. He’s a smart guy who has been around. The standard he holds us to is another reason I came here. Joyner is a great coach on and off the field and I like being held to a higher standard and being pushed. He does that.”

WATCH: Ole Miss kicks off last full week of spring football practices

Two scrimmages ago, Harris earned defensive player of the game according to Coach Lane Kiffin.

How did that happen?

“Nobody knew who I was, so I am in here trying to paint my picture. Everything was new, so it was time for me to show up and draw attention to what I can do,” Joshua noted.

Right now, he is splitting time with another Harris – Zxavian – and is playing next to returning veteran J.J. Pegues in the 4-man front scheme that employs two DTs.

“J.J. is so quick in the pass rush and he can stop the run too,” Harris stated. “I’m probably more of a run stopper, but I can rush the passer too. I think we feed off each other very well (and) I love playing beside him.

“I consider myself a run stopper who is trying to get better in the pass rush game. My goal is to make more plays and compete in the SEC.”

Joshua has high expectations and high hopes for the Ole Miss defensive line.

“I tell the guys every day that we could have one of the best defensive lines in the country. I honestly feel that way with J.J., Jared Ivey, Zxavian, J.J. Hawkins, Cedric Johnson, Jamond Gordon and some others,” he assessed. “We are getting so much good coaching as far as technique and the little things and I know the raw talent is there for us to be great.”

What is it about the SEC that drew Joshua Harris to Ole Miss?

“Most people see the SEC as the second highest level of football behind the NFL, of course,” he explained. “It’s just a cut above. I’m not knocking the ACC, but the SEC is just better.

“When I was at N.C. State, I would watch a lot of SEC football. I liked what I saw.”

The Grove Bowl is Saturday and Harris is excited to show what he can do to help the team.

“I want to show the fans what type of player I am. I want to make plays and have an impact on the game,” he closed. “I’m looking forward to the spring game. This is a great environment and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

First.

It’s always a good place to be, especially with Joshua Harris and Ole Miss.