SPANISH FORT, Alabama — North Greenville University made a great catch last week when the Crusaders signed Toros receiver Matthew Harris to a football scholarship.

The South Carolina NCAA Div. II school and football program had everything Harris was looking for in his college future.

“Coach (Carroll) McCray called me, said he had seen my film and they wanted me to play for them. So I looked at what they offered and liked it and said, yes. Greenville is a great place and I loved the campus and all the coaches are great.”

In spite of missing four games because of an injury during his senior season, Harris came back to finish with 22 receptions and 248 total yards with two touchdowns for the Toros.

“My favorite memory was the catch (25-yard pass from quarterback Joel Poe) against Gulf Shores for a touchdown.”

He added that the NGU’s academic features were right for him.

“I want to major in history and concentrate in American history and it’s a great place for that, too.”

Spanish Fort head football coach Mark Freeman said Harris was a hard-working athlete who battled and never gave up.

“I’m just so proud of Matthew," he said, "He has put in so much effort and worked so hard to improve his skill level. And I mean every little thing, he never overlooks or takes for granted the importance of the little things. And together with Matt’s speed and hands and intelligent awareness of the defense, the ball, the first-down marker, he’s just a complete package. He’s a good, all-around football player.

“But I also really feel like he stepped up to be a big leader for us last year. That’s so important. You know that was one of my concerns was who was going to stand up and be a leader after so many starters graduated the year before. But Matthew came through right away and just so impressed us. He’s all heart and dedication. He battled back from that injury and he was a huge part of our success down the stretch for the playoffs. And he was a real contributor on and off the field for us in the playoff run, too. They (NGU) got a quality person and a quality family. I feel blessed I was fortunate to meet his family and coach Matthew. We’re going to miss him but at the same time we expect great things.”

Harris had played mostly on the defensive side growing up, but his hands stood out in early high school drills and was asked to try wide receiver.

“I loved it. It’s like it’s just natural for me to do,” he said adding that his defensive experience has been an asset on offense.

“I think it really helps me read a defensive back or linebacker. But every play is different and you can only adjust so much on a route so I try to sell them on a fake, and get good separation and get a good turn ball side. It still depends on the play, field position, you know. I just know I want the ball. But I know it takes a team, too. I want to be the one who makes the play or makes a big block to spring somebody, whatever helps the team.”

The son of Mark and Jodie Harris, Matthew plans to enter law school after earning his undergraduate degree.