MORGAN COUNTY
About a month ago, Morgan County senior and varsity punter Nolan Harris signed his letter of intent to play at the next level for the University of West Georgia in the fall.
Harris, who had interest from multiple other programs heading into the last few months of the semester, decided that taking his talents to Carrolton and staying close to home was the best fit for him.
He told the Lake Oconee News that he took his time making the decision to accept the walk-on position after attending a recruiting at UWG and speaking with special teams coordinator J.R. Dorman.
“[Dorman] invited me to their walk-on tryouts, which was basically for any position open to transfers and high school players. I did some good stuff there, and he really liked me, so he gave me the walk-on offer,” Harris said. “I didn’t take it right away just because I wasn’t sure what my whole situation was, and after a week, my high school coaches reminded me they were looking at other guys, too. I was very blessed they took an opportunity on me, and it just ended up working out to be where God led me.”
Harris was the centerpiece in the Bulldogs' specialist room for most of his high school career, and he showed why with his performances on the field.
The 6-foot, 190-pound senior was named the 2022 Region 4-AAA Special Teams Player of the Year after averaging around 40 yards per punt in 2022. Harris was also named to the Touchdown Club of Atlanta and RecruitGA All-State teams.
Punting wasn’t the only way Harris helped Morgan County’s special teams, either. He was the Bulldogs' holder for extra points and also the kicker in certain situations.
Harris showed off his strong leg many times. During his senior year, half of his 42 kickoffs were touchbacks, and his longest punt was 58 yards.
With all of that on his resume, Harris hopes to have a positive impact on a competitive NCAA Division II program like West Georgia and acknowledged how it seemed to feel like home when he visited the campus.
“It was my only offer in-state, and they have a great program, which made it even better because they’re one of the better D2 programs in the country,” Harris said. “Their facilities were awesome, and they have a great stadium along with a great practice space. The campus was nice and spaced out, and it really felt like home with it being just two hours away.”
Harris has come a long way in his football career, and it’s been his hard work that has carried him to the level he’s at today.
His parents, Kris and Kattie Harris, have seen Nolan grow up and fall in love with the sport. They acknowledged that without his work ethic and the help of some coaches, he wouldn’t have the opportunity he does now.
“We are so proud of Nolan and all of the hard work he has put into this. Most people only see what he does on the field, but he has spent literally hundreds of hours traveling for training, in the weight room, and even in the front yard just kicking,” Harris’s parents said. “It’s such a blessing to see that hard work pays off, and we are truly grateful to all of the coaches that allowed Nolan to pursue his passion, on the field or off helping him with recruitment.”
Even though the season is over, Harris continues to work on his game.
There are no mandatory summer workouts before fall camp begins at the end of July, but Harris admitted that he will definitely be “getting his feet wet” over the next couple of months in preparation for next season.
“I won’t be moving in until July 31, because that’s the first day of fall camp, but I’ll definitely be going up there soon to go ahead and get my feet wet in their workout program,” Harris said. “I’m going back up at the beginning of June to see more of the campus and facilities, but I definitely want to get up there as much as I can before the season actually starts.”