NFF National Scholar-Athletes
Tyriq Harris, DE – University of North Carolina at Charlotte
3.68 GPA – Biology
Head Coach: Will Healy | Athletics Director: Mike Hill
Faculty Athletics Representative: Dr. Jeffrey Leak
Working on his second bachelor's degree, "Mr. 49er" Tyriq Harris is a shining example of what you can achieve through college football. The Roanoke, Virginia, native makes history as Charlotte's first NFF National Scholar-Athlete.
After graduating cum laude with a biology degree in 2019, Harris is currently working toward second bachelor's degree in business. The 2018-19 Conference USA Scholar-Athlete of the Year was an Academic All-District selection, and he became the first three-time C-USA All-Academic Team honoree in 49ers history in 2020. Harris is a five-time conference honor roll member, a four-time chancellor's list honoree and a three-time selection to the dean's and athletics director's lists.
After missing the entire 2019 season with an injury, Harris returned to action this fall and served as a team captain for the third year in a row. In 2020, the four-year starter earned Honorable Mention All-Conference USA recognition after recording 19 tackles, including two tackles for loss and one sack. Harris was named a semifinalist for the 2020 Wuerffel Trophy for outstanding community service.
The 2018 Honorable Mention All-Conference USA performer led the 49ers with 24 consecutive starts prior to his injury. A member of the conference all-freshman team in 2016, Harris was a member of Charlotte's 2019 Bahamas Bowl squad, which marked the program's first postseason appearance. The standout defensive end currently ranks in the top 10 of many Charlotte defensive categories, including seventh in career tackles (168), fifth in career tackles for loss (15) and tied for fourth in career sacks (7).
Harris received the "Mr. 49er" moniker for his involvement in Charlotte's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) the last three years, and he currently serves as operations manager for the organization. He has twice attended the APPLE training conference to combat drug and alcohol abuse on campuses. Harris' vast volunteer history includes activities with Elevation EKidz, YMCA Miracle League, Tim Tebow Night to Shine, Dance Marathon, Weddington Hills Field Day, Kings Kitchen, Healthy Kids Day, Project 658 and numerous blood and food drives in the community.
