Kyle Harris '12 Recruiting Profile

I graduated in the spring of 2012. Entering into my senior year I was being recruited by Division 1 FCS South Dakota State as well as perennial  Division 2 playoff contender Chadron State in Chadron, Nebraska. However, during the summer of 2011 I stress fractured my L5 vertebrae, but did not receive medical attention for until after the first game of my senior season. The injury was season-ending. A few days before finding out this heart-breaking news I had decided I was going to give up my dream of playing college football to answer a call I felt to the Catholic priesthood. I spent the fall semester of the 2012-2013 academic year at St. Mary's University in Winona, MN and Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. The first semester went extremely well. Then at the start of the second semester I decided to withdraw from school for some personal leave. 

After some time of reflection I am considering making a comeback and trying to land on a college team this upcoming season. My back continued to give me problems throughout the 2012 calendar year, but in January of 2013 I was given medical clearance by a spinal doctor at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

I am now 200 lb. and in decent shape. In order to prepare for a potential football season this fall I am going to begin training with a local professional trainer. I know my dream of landing on a college roster is going to be an uphill battle considering my medical history, my two years off from the game, as well continuing a position change from defensive end to the secondary which began before my senior year of football. Chadron State College was really excited at their camp about my potential for developing into a safety.

However, I am the strongest mentally I have been and the most confident I've been in my entire high school athletic career, which included a second place finish in the South Dakota Class B State Track Meet 100 Meter Dash. As I begin training with a professional I am very excited to begin a process of getting into the best shape I have possibly ever been in my entire life. My time in seminary has allowed to mature into what I believe will make me the most mentally strong and spirited I have been in my athletic career. 

I am heavily exploring the possibility of playing at Junior College and would actually prefer playing in the Juco ranks. I am looking for a roster spot this fall. 

Current athletic test results will be available as soon as possible.