As the UTSA football program continues to grow under head coach Jeff Traylor, higher-rated recruits will begin to consider the program as a suitable destination to try and make a name for themselves. Early last week, class of 2022 five-star recruit Denver Harris announced his transfer to the Roadrunners from Louisiana State University. 

The football program at UTSA is very young, so it is normal for fans nationwide to question why a highly touted recruit would choose the Roadrunners over larger and more established schools. It is a simple but harsh truth as to why Harris chose UTSA — a chance to redeem his image. 

Harris’ off-the-field antics have been well documented ever since his collegiate career began at Texas A&M. A video of Harris speeding through a parking garage went viral in September of 2022, which led to Harris and the A&M program receiving a large amount of backlash online. Harris was also suspended twice during his time with the Aggies for being late to curfew and for taking part in a locker room altercation. 

After Harris transferred from A&M to LSU, his non-football issues continued. Harris was suspended during the preseason for his role in a fight during practice in which 247Sports stated that Harris attempted to instigate the fight further in the locker room. 

Now on his third team, it seems Harris is choosing culture over exposure to try and get his career back on track. Luckily for him, UTSA’s culture is unlike any other. 

The culture instilled by Traylor is one of kindness, competitiveness and, most importantly, accountability. Harris will have the opportunity to start anew in a locker room that will treat him fairly and still hold him to the standard of excellence that comes with being a Roadrunner.