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WATCH: Ole Miss DT Zxavian Harris sees himself as a tight end after first career interception

11by: Jake Thompson09/02/25JakeThompsonOn3
NCAA Football: Georgia St. at Mississippi
Aug 30, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Zxavian Harris (51) reacts after an interception during the third quarter against the Georgia State Panthers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Zxavian Harris was not expecting to find a football in his arms on Saturday but the senior defensive tackle did anyway, securing the only interception for the Ole Miss defense in the 56-point blowout.

When Harris secured the errant throw by Georgia State’s Christian Vellieux he only had one thing on his mind: find the end zone. Harris was eventually tackled after a one-yard return, but for him it was the first time he had an interception since around the sophomore season of high school.

“I was surprised he threw it at me. When I wrapped around I was looking him dead in his chest,” Harris said after Tuesday’s practice. “‘Okay, you’re not going to throw it to me.’ Then he (threw it). I said, ‘Oh Lord, I caught it. Okay, I got to run.’ I didn’t even look at the person who tackled me. I was just looking at the end zone.”

Harris said he’d rate himself about an “85” on his ball-handling skills. Despite the high self-grading he is not eying a spot in the Ole Miss wide receiver’s room. Harris prefers another skill position on offense.

“I’d really say the tight end room,” Harris added. “They can have the receivers. They be running too much routes.”

The Ole Miss defense finished with only one sack on the night, which also came from Harris. The missed field goal by the Panthers was also credited to a blocked kicked from Harris and his sixth combined blocked kick of his career.

Harris suddenly sees himself one block away from tying the all-time Southeastern Conference record. Do not think he is not very aware of this statistic.

“I just need one more. I’m really trying to get three more this season. I’m trying to smash that record,” Harris said.

Watch Zxavian Harris’ full press conference for Kentucky week below.

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