UTSA has seen its fair share of talent enter the NFL Draft in recent years. Spencer Burford, Sincere Mccormick and Tariq Woolen are just a few names to pursue a career at the next level. Seven seasons and two conference championships later, fans assumed that Roadrunner legend, quarterback Frank Harris, would follow a similar path.
Despite breaking almost every UTSA football record, Harris opted for retirement following the conclusion of the 2023 season.
But why?
To understand the end of Harris’ football career, you have to look at the beginning. After joining the ‘Runners in 2017, Harris suffered two straight season-ending ACL injuries. When the Schertz native finally began to see action in 2019, a separated shoulder ended his season prematurely once again. Rehabbing season-ending injuries can take a large toll on a player, both physically and mentally.
“I just felt like it was too many injuries,” Harris said in an interview with News4SanAntonio. “At some point, I want to be able to walk again. Whenever I have a family I want to be able to play with my kids.”
When Harris was finally able to showcase his talents on the field in 2020, he earned the starting quarterback spot and helped UTSA become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2016. In 2021 and 2022, Harris gained national recognition for winning two consecutive Conference USA championships and led the Roadrunner program to two more bowl appearances.
Though nearly retiring before the 2023 season, Harris still felt the need to bring UTSA its first bowl win.
The beginning of the 2023 season was tough on Harris. Still recovering from his 11th surgery, he was not fully healthy for the season opener against Houston. The struggles in September led to a worrisome 1-3 start for the ‘Runners, but right on cue, Harris and the Roadrunner offense came to life following a much-needed early bye week. UTSA finished with a respectable 8-4 record and won its first bowl game in program history.
On the field, Harris gave everything he had to the program, the fans and the city. Now in retirement, Harris is still doing everything he can to support the team, announcing that he will serve as the executive director for UTSA NIL collective “City Fans 210.”
On and off the field, Harris represents what it means to be a Roadrunner.
