Times West Virginian
SOUTH BEND, Ind. —
Thousands of college football fans from across the country will join the National Football Foundation from July 16-17 at the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., for the organization’s annual Enshrinement Festival, which will pay tribute to the storied careers of Major Harris from West Virginia University along with 23 other football standouts as they are formally enshrined into the Hall of Fame.
“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to enshrine another exceptional class of college football legends,” said NFF President & CEO Steven J. Hatchell. “Each year our hard-working honors courts do an outstanding job ensuring the game’s greatest players and coaches find their place on college football’s mountain top. We look forward to celebrating in South Bend with this amazing class and their loyal fans from around the country.”
As a freshman, Major Harris led the West Virginia University Mountaineers to the 1987 Sun Bowl. During his time as a three-year starter, Harris recorded an undefeated regular season and brought his team to the 1988 National Championship Fiesta Bowl game against Notre Dame. In his sophomore season, he totaled 20 touchdowns, earned the ECAC Player of the Year honors and finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. His junior year, Harris threw for 17 touchdowns and ran for six, setting school records for most total offense and quarterback rushing yards.
Racking in more awards, he was voted a First Team All-America, ECAC Player of the Year and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. Most notably, Harris became the first player in NCAA history to rush for more than 2,000 yards and pass for more than 5,000 yards in a career.
Harris’ most memorable play was during the 1988 game against Penn State. Harris forgot the play that was called in the huddle, and when the ball was snapped, the team ran one play and Harris ran the other. Penn State’s defense was faked out, and Harris was able to run for a thirty-yard touchdown, clinching a Mountaineer win.
Harris’ coach, Don Nehlen said, “People still ask me about that play all of the time...If there was a contest for most exciting player, Major would win it hands down.”
Harris is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in West Virginia history. After his junior year, Harris was drafted by the Los Angeles Raiders.
He played in the Canadian Football League, Arena Football League and other semi-pro leagues.
In 1989 Harris was inducted into the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
Fans have a variety of opportunities to meet and mingle with the enshrinees during this spectacular event.
The jam-packed weekend will include a celebrity golf tournament, a fan festival, a grand parade, a youth football clinic, a fireworks spectacular with the celebration culminating with the Enshrinement Dinner & Show on Saturday evening.
“The College Football Hall of Fame is honored to host so many notable contributors to the game in South Bend, celebrating this tremendous accolade,” said College Football Hall of Fame Executive Director Lisa Klunder. “Enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame is a rare distinction shared by only the most accomplished players, and our festival boasts a myriad of events to highlight this extraordinary achievement.”
Tickets for all events are on sale now. Space is limited for certain events. For events, pricing, times, tickets or for more information on Major Harris and his enshrinement into the Hall of Fame visit www.enshrinementfestival.org or call 574-235-5714.
