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Ole Miss

Senior Ole Miss DT Zxavian Harris now has a leadership role on the defensive line

Chuck-Rounsavilleby: Chuck Rounsaville07/30/25
NCAA Football: Kentucky at Mississippi
Sep 28, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Zxavian Harris (51) rushes as Kentucky Wildcats offensive lineman Jalen Farmer (52) blocks during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Last season, Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, although a junior, was happy to let then seniors J.J. Pegues and Jared Ivey take the leadership role in the defensive line room.

This year, Harris is the ranking senior on the defensive front and it’s his turn to be the leader of the pack, a job he takes seriously and believes he is ready for.

“I like having some leadership responsibilities,” said the 6-7 328-pound Harris. “The main thing I’m trying to do is make sure none of the younger guys are left behind – I’m trying to bring them with me in their learning curve, knowledge and technique.

“I’m trying to make sure they know what to do and how to do it and trying to lead by example on the field.”

Last year, Zxavian wanted to come into camp leaner so he lost 30 pounds down to 300-305. He now admits he went too far with his weight loss and he’s now gained most of it back in good weight – muscle.

“I was too light last year. Now, I can tell a big difference in my push. There is a major difference in 300 and 330,” he shook his head.

While there is no Walter Nolan or Pegues or Ivey flanking him this season, Harris is completely comfortable in the available talent Ole Miss replaced them with.

“They are young, but they are ready to work and as long as they are willing to put in effort, they will be just fine. All of them have good ability and all of them chase the ball with intensity,” he explained. “Will (Echoles), J.B. (Jamarious Brown) and (Andrew) Maddox get after it and that’s what it takes in this league.

“I like what all of them bring to the table. If we can stay healthy and keep that attitude of going all out on every play, we are going to be a good defensive tackle unit.”

Harris says he has big goals for this, his last, collegiate season. 2025, after all, is his money year – the year he wants to leave a big impression on NFL scouts.

“My biggest goal is to learn my playbook better and to be able to recognize what offenses are trying to do,” he closed. “You have to be able to understand what blockers are trying to do to you instantly so you can react properly. That’s what I have to continue to improve on.

“I want to react quicker to what is happening in the trenches.”

Harris played in all 13 games last season and was responsible for 32 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 quarterback sacks. He also blocked a kick and recovered a fumble.

“I want to do more, a lot more, this year,” he smiled.

It’s not a stretch to predict Zxavian Harris will reach his goal of “more.”

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