By Tony Thomas
The state of Louisiana is a hotbed for talented high school football players capable of taking their game to the next level. That distinction certainly applies to 2026 running back Jerome “JJ” Harris Jr.
Harris began his journey to football glory as a young eighth grader becoming a major contributor on the varsity team at Southern University Lab School in Baton Rouge, La.
In 2022, as a freshman, Harris cracked the 1,000-yard mark for the Kittens of Southern Lab. In 2023, Harris ran for 1,286 yards and 19 TDs. He was twice named an All-District selection (unanimous) and earned honorable mention All-State honors in 2023.
As a rising junior-to-be in 2024, Harris already had more than 2,300 career yards and 32 touchdowns to his credit and was a two-time LHSAA D-IV Select state champion (in 2021 and 2023). He scored 220 points and averaged a first down on every carry.
In the 2023 state championship game, Harris rushed for 86 yards on just eight carries (10.75 average) and scored two touchdowns.
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Image Credit: Jerome Harris, Sr
Harris’s football prowess earned him national recognition as the RB MVP at both the NXGN Dallas Regional (2022) and UA Next Ohio Regional (2024).
It seemed nothing could stop Harris, certainly not opposing defenses.
Then fate intervened.
In December of his sophomore year, Harris’s mother, Ann Marie Domino was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, after battling MS for the last 20 years. She was given only a few months to live. But Marie is a fighter. She has since exceeded that time frame and continues with her treatments.
Being close to his mother during this difficult time was a major reason he transferred to The Dunham School in Baton Rouge in 2024. As a result, the Tigers received a talented addition to their backfield.
But just two weeks before the start of summer workouts at Dunham, Harris suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss his junior season. But through prayer, determination and the spirit of triumph, Harris has come back better and stronger than before and is ready for the 2025 season.
Image Credit: Jerome Harris, Sr
Overcoming adversity is one of Harris’s attributes that could end up being the most beneficial in his football career. Harris wears the heart of a warrior on one sleeve of his jersey, and the heart of his mother, Marie, on the other sleeve. Marie’s fighting spirit flows through Harris.
At 5-foot-8, 192 pounds, Harris’s athleticism also extends to the running track. He possesses elite speed and has been clocked at 4.37 in the 40-yard dash (verified). In addition, he has a vertical leap of 37.5 inches, can bench press 315 pounds and squats 465.
Still grinding 💪🏼 @CalobL lots more work to be done. We on a mission! @DunhamAthletics https://t.co/5OBPCljDCf
— Jérome "JJ" Harris, APB 26'⭐ (@JLH_RB5) June 10, 2024
Harris was a member of Southern Lab’s 1A 4×100 state championship team in 2023. In spring of 2024, Harris contributed to Dunham’s 4×100 relay team that won the district title, earned second place in the regionals, and a state championship appearance.
Harris has a strong mindset when it comes to academics, as he maintains a 3.57 GPA. Harris’s name appears regularly on the Dean’s List (nine times). In addition, Harris was accepted into the National Society of High School Scholars in 2022 and 2023 and was a two-time National Beta Club member (2023-24).
On the recruiting trail, Harris holds a scholarship offer from Kentucky State. Schools interested in Harris include TCU, Houston, Rice, UTEP, NAU, SMU, Louisiana Tech, South Alabama, Tulane, Air Force, Navy, Princeton, Columbia, Lamar, Toledo, James Madison, Western Kentucky, Bowling Green, Nicholls State, McNeese State, UL-Monroe and UT-Martin.
Harris has elite vision and poses a significant problem for opposing defenses, leaving would-be tacklers in his wake. He would be a great addition to any collegiate backfield.
The Godfather of Recruiting, Mike Farrell, had this to say about Harris:
“2026 verified 3-star RB J.J. Harris solid build, fast as can be and clutch. Back to 100 percent and schools are noticing. Easy 1,000-yard runner and one of the best in Louisiana.”
Do you want to be promoted and get your game film in front of college coaches? DM Mike Farrell on X @mfarrellsports, or email Mike at [email protected].
