By Darin In the late 1980s, the college football world was captivated by a player who moved like a ghost and threw like a pro. Major Harris didn’t just play quarterback for the West Virginia Mountaineers; he invented a new blueprint for the position. Long before the era of the modern dual-threat superstar, Harris was shattering records and defensive spirits alike, leading WVU on a historic march toward a national title. From his legendary “run that never was” to becoming a statistical pioneer, Major Harris remains the ultimate “human highlight film” of the gridiron.
Football Bio
February 15, 1968 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Major Harris, the West Virginia Mountaineer starting quarterback from 1987 through 1989, was born. Harris was the first player in NCAA history to pass for more than 5,000 yards and rush for more than 2,000 in a collegiate career. Harris led WVU to an undefeated season and a chance to play Notre Dame for the National Championship in the 1988 Fiesta Bowl. Major Harris was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
Conclusion
Major Harris’s legacy at West Virginia is defined by his ability to make the impossible look effortless. By becoming the first player in NCAA history to join the 5,000/2,000 club, he proved that a quarterback could be just as dangerous with his legs as he was with his arm. His leadership during the 1988 season brought the Mountaineers to the precipice of a national championship and cemented his status as a folk hero in Morgantown. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009, Harris stands as a transformative figure who paved the way for the dynamic, dual-threat quarterbacks that dominate the game today.
Accolades & Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2009.
- 2× Heisman Trophy Finalist: Finished 5th in 1988 and 3rd in 1989.
- ECAC Player of the Year: (1988, 1989).
- NCAA Milestone: First player in history to pass for 5,000 yards and rush for 2,000 yards.
- 1988 Fiesta Bowl: Led WVU to an 11-0 regular season and a National Championship appearance.
- West Virginia University Hall of Fame: Inductee (1999).
- WVU No. 9 Retired: One of the few players in Mountaineer history to receive this honor.
- Career Passing Stats: 5,173 yards and 41 touchdowns.
- Career Rushing Stats: 2,161 yards and 18 touchdowns.
