Henry Daily Herald

Photo by Derrick Mahone Dutchtown offensive lineman Jordan Harris, a rising senior, has committed to play for Middle Tennessee State beginning in 2013. He has been on the Bulldogs varsity since his sophomore year.

From the time that Middle Tennessee State offered Dutchtown rising senior Jordan Harris in April, the Sun Belt Conference school made a big push for the massive lineman.

That persistence paid off on Sunday when Harris committed to the Blue Raiders program, according to Dutchtown defensive coordinator Terry Herrod.

“Jordan was just ready to get the recruiting process over with,” Herrod said. “Middle Tennessee State went after him hard. I think it will be a good fit for him as he continues to grow as a person and football player.”

Harris becomes the sixth player from the Southern Crescent to make a verbal commitment to a college.

Commitments are non-bidding and players are free to change their minds without penalty. Prospects can officially sign their letter-of-intent on National Signing Day, which will be on Feb. 6.

In addition to MTSU, Harris had offers from Troy, Colorado State, Delaware State and Buffalo. Herrod said that Central Florida, South Florida and Louisiana-Lafayette had all started to show serious interest.

Harris, who is 6-foot-5, 330 pounds, is projected as a right tackle for the Blue Raiders.

“I feel real comfortable with the Middle Tennessee State coaching staff, especially coach (Glen) Elarbee,” said Harris. “I am happy with my decision. I just want to focus all of my energy and attention now on enjoying my senior year with my teammates.”

MTSU has 32 players with Georgia ties listed on its 2012 roster.

Harris has started for the Bulldogs’ program since his sophomore year, and was a member of the 2011 Georgia Junior Bowl Team, which was compiled of some of the top-rated junior prospects in the state.

“Jordan has great feet work, which comes from him playing basketball,” Herrod said. “He has a great lineman build with a lot of physical tools. As he gets stronger and coached up, he has a lot of potential for the next level.”