Lincoln-Way West’s Justin and Jason Harris commit to South Dakota State

NEW LENOX – One of the biggest concerns for an athlete who attends a college far away from their hometown is being alone in a strange place.

That won’t be the case for Lincoln-Way West football players Justin and Jason Harris, senior twins who recently committed to South Dakota State. Justin is a running back and Jason a wide receiver, and both will play for the Jackrabbits, a high-quality Football Championship Subdivision program.

Justin Harris, a 6-foot-0, 185-pounder, was a Class 7A All-State first-team selection after helping the Warriors to a 5-5 record, including a 4-0 mark in the SouthWest Suburban Conference Red Division. He finished his season with 1,502 yards and 17 touchdowns on 230 carries and also caught 20 passes for 200 yards and another TD. He was named offensive MVP of the SSC Red.

Jason Harris, a 6-2, 200-pounder, did a bit of everything for Lincoln-Way West. He had 21 receptions for 430 yards and eight touchdowns, ran 60 times for 500 yards and three touchdowns, was 5-of-9 passing for 60 yards and had 20 tackles, an interception and 12 pass breakups on defense.

“It will be nice to have a familiar face on campus,” Justin said. “I’ve lived with him for 18 years so far. What’s another four more?”

South Dakota State plans to use both Harris brothers, who each played on both sides of the ball in high school, on offense to start.

“This was a great opportunity that presented itself,” Justin said. “They are a top five FCS program, and everything there is top notch. I had a few other FCS offers. Missouri State was the main one. But I really liked everything at South Dakota State.”

Both Harris brothers are good students as well, each holding a 3.1 GPA. Justin plans to study physical education, while Jason plans to go into criminal justice.

“I want to be a teacher and a coach,” Justin said. “I love to be around the game of football, and I think that will be a good way to do it.

“When I told the South Dakota State coach that I was going to come there, I felt a wave of stress off my shoulders. I felt relieved to have the recruiting process over, and I am excited to start a new chapter.”

The decision to go to the same school wasn’t something the Harris brothers originally had planned.

“We didn’t really talk about going to the same school,” Jason said. “It just kind of worked out that South Dakota State wanted each of us. For me, they have a good criminal justice program.

“I am pretty sure they are planning on me being a receiver, but I will do whatever they need me to do.”

Lincoln-Way West coach Luke Lokanc feels that South Dakota State is getting a pair of quality recruits.

“Besides Justin’s on-the-field accomplishments, he is even better as a person,” Lokanc said. “He holds a 3.1 GPA, was a team captain and makes the locker room better just because of the person he is. Justin had multiple three-plus touchdown games, and he was just as much of a threat catching the ball out of the backfield as he was running.

“Jason Harris is a three-year varsity starter and two-way player for Lincoln-Way West. He is another great student with a 3.1 GPA, team captain and true leader that everyone flocks to on the team, players and coaches. He is the type of player that would play anything for you to just make the team better.”