Marvin Harrison Jr.

Marvin Darnell Harrison Jr. (born August 11, 2002) is an American football wide receiver. He played college football at Ohio State; he was recognized as a two-time unanimous All-American and winner of the 2023 Fred Biletnikoff Award. He is the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison.

Early life and high school

Harrison was born on August 11, 2002, in Philadelphia, the oldest of two sons to Dawne and Marvin Harrison. His father is a Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver who played for the NFL's Indianapolis Colts from 1996 to 2008. Harrison grew up playing football and basketball, ultimately deciding to focus solely on football when he entered high school. He attended La Salle College High School as a freshman before transferring to St. Joseph's Preparatory School. At St. Joseph's Harrison would help lead the team to three consecutive state championships while setting Philadelphia Catholic League career records with 2,625 receiving yards and 37 receiving touchdowns. While at St. Joseph's, he played with Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord.

Coming out of high school Harrison was a four-star prospect ranked as the nation's 14th best receiver recruit. He committed to play college football at Ohio State University over offers from Florida, Michigan, Penn State, LSU, Notre Dame, and Texas A&M. Harrison cited wide receiver coach Brian Hartline as well as the school's atmosphere, facilities and his existing relationship with fellow Buckeyes commit Kyle McCord as being the reasons for his commitment to the school.

College career

2021

Harrison enrolled at Ohio State in January 2021. As a freshman in 2021, he received limited playing time behind future first-round NFL draft picks Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Having only had five receptions for 68 yards in the regular season, he would make his first career start in the 2022 Rose Bowl after Wilson and Olave declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. In the Rose Bowl, he caught six passes for 71 yards and three touchdowns in a 48–45 victory over the Utah Utes.

2022

Harrison entered his sophomore season with high expectations following his breakout performance in the Rose Bowl. In the Buckeyes' season opener against Notre Dame, Harrison caught five passes for 76 yards. Following an injury to fellow receiver Smith-Njigba against Notre Dame, Harrison became the Buckeyes' #1 receiver for the remainder of the season. In his first game as the team's top receiver, Harrison caught seven passes for a then career-high 184 yards and three touchdowns in a victory over Arkansas State. The following week he had his second consecutive 100-yard game with 102 yards on 6 catches and two touchdowns in a blowout win over Toledo. Following a relatively unimpressive first two conference games, Harrison returned to form against Michigan State, catching 7 passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns. His three touchdowns against Michigan State marked his third career three-touchdown game, the most of any Ohio State receiver.

Harrison set career highs in receptions (10) and yards (185) in a 44–31 victory over Penn State. Two weeks later he would once again have a 100-yard game, this time against Indiana. Against rival Michigan Harrison recorded his sixth 100-yard performance of the season in a 45–23 loss, the Buckeyes first of the season. Despite the loss to Michigan, Ohio State earned a bid to the College Football Playoff where they would play the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs in the Peach Bowl. Leading up to the game, Harrison's matchup against corner Kelee Ringo was viewed by many as the potential key to the game. Harrison shone in the first half of the contest, catching five passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns, helping Ohio State gain a 35–24 lead. In the third quarter he was forced to leave the game with a concussion following a hard hit from Javon Bullard. In Harrison's absence Georgia mounted a comeback to win the game 42–41, ending Ohio State's season. At the conclusion of the season, Harrison was voted a unanimous All-American and named the Richter–Howard Receiver of the Year after recording 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns.

2023

At Ohio State's pro day for the 2023 NFL Draft, Harrison ran routes for quarterback C.J. Stroud. Despite being ineligible for the draft until 2024, Harrison's performance garnered more coverage than draft eligible prospects. Entering the 2023 season, Harrison was widely considered to be the best receiver in college football. He won the 2023 Fred Biletnikoff Award after recording 1,211 yards for 14 touchdowns, the latter being tied for third most in the FBS. Harrison declared for the 2024 NFL Draft following the season.

Statistics

Personal life

Harrison is a Christian. He is a partner of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.

References

External links

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Ohio State Buckeyes bio

{{DEFAULTSORT:Harrison, Marvin Jr.
2002 births
Living people
Players of American football from Philadelphia
American football wide receivers
Ohio State Buckeyes football players
St. Joseph's Preparatory School alumni
All-American college football players