After leading Reidsville to state championships in both football and basketball, the spotlight now shines on Kendre Harrison as he decides where his collegiate athletic journey will take him. This 6-foot-8, 240-pound, 5-star tight end has been a force to be reckoned with, amassing popularity, notoriety, and numerous accolades along the way.

Uncovering Kendre Harrison's College Choice Amidst Adversity

Football and Basketball Stardom in Reidsville

During his sophomore year, Harrison led the Rams to state championships in both football and basketball. His remarkable skills and athleticism were on full display, setting the stage for his future success. By the end of the 2023-24 school year, he had earned the prestigious title of the consensus #1 Tight End in the class of 2026. This achievement was a testament to his hard work and dedication.In his junior year of 2024, playing in eight games for the Rams, Harrison caught 33 passes for 555 yards and eight touchdowns. His ability to make big plays and contribute on both sides of the ball was truly remarkable.

The College Recruitment Frenzy

When Harrison first stepped on the field for the Rams, his frame, strength, speed, and great hands caught the attention of almost every college football coach in the nation. They flocked to Reidsville in an attempt to convince this two-sport star to join their school.As the freshman season progressed, offers began to pour in. Harrison had almost every program in the country calling, texting, and offering him the world to be a part of their program. Coaches like Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, and Deion Sanders were eager to bring in this talented young athlete to help him pursue his dream of making it to the pros.

Faith and Family: The Key Factors

With 40-plus Division I offers, Harrison faced a difficult decision. However, in an exclusive interview with WFMY News 2, he revealed that the number one factor in choosing a school was his faith. "I said the No. 1 thing in my decision is keeping God first, prayer, and my family second. Other than that, I just wanted to make sure it feels like home," Harrison said.This emphasis on faith and family shows the depth of Harrison's character and the values that guide his decisions.

Narrowing Down the Options

In July, Harrison narrowed his options from over 40 schools down to just six - Florida State, Miami, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, and North Carolina. These six programs and their fanbases went all out to sway Harrison's decision, but the choice ultimately rested with the 17-year-old from Reidsville, North Carolina.

The Final Decision: Oregon Ducks

Ultimately, Harrison decided to commit to the No. 1 ranked Oregon Ducks and head coach Dan Lanning. His decision was about more than just football. "I picked Oregon because I love Dan Lanning, I love Coach Smith, Coach Drew, and I love all the coaches. Plus they’re the number one team in the country — it’s hard to beat that," Harrison said.He also emphasized how Oregon's coaching staff showed they cared about him and his family when his grandmother's health began to fail during his junior season. "When I was going through all that stuff with my grandma, they were the only school to call me every day and check on me and my family man," Harrison said. "My mom doesn’t even watch football but I walked into the living room last weekend and she was sitting on the couch watching Oregon vs. Wisconsin on the TV and that’s when I knew that’s where I wanted to go and where I want to be."Harrison also plans to continue playing both football and basketball for the Ducks once he enrolls, adding to his already impressive resume.