From a Second Chance to Fresno State Bulldogs Football
After stepping away from football during high school, Kiontre Harris returned to the sport, developed into a two-way contributor at Lemoore High School, and earned an opportunity to compete at Fresno State. His journey reflects perseverance, athletic versatility, and the determination to establish himself in college football.
Every athlete's journey includes defining moments, but not all of them happen under stadium lights. For some, the most consequential decision comes away from the field, when the future of their athletic career remains uncertain.
For Kiontre Harris, that moment arrived during his sophomore year at Lemoore High School in California. After playing three games that season, he stepped away from football. His departure interrupted a journey that would eventually lead him to Fresno State University and the Bulldogs football program.
Encouragement from former NFL tight end David Ausberry, a fellow Lemoore native, and the school's coaching staff helped Harris return to the game.
That decision became an important chapter in his development. Harris resumed playing, contributed on both sides of the ball, and earned first-team all-conference recognition in consecutive seasons. His performance eventually helped him secure an opportunity to continue his career at the collegiate level.
Today, Harris's football journey continues at Fresno State, where he is working to build on his high school accomplishments and establish a greater role within the program.
- Full Name: Kiontre Harris
- Sport: American Football
- Position: Defensive Back
- Jersey Number: 31
- Height: 5 feet 11 inches
- Weight: 165 pounds
- Hometown: Lemoore, California
- High School: Lemoore High School
- College: Fresno State University
- Team: Fresno State Bulldogs
Harris developed his athletic career at Lemoore High School, where he participated in football and track. His involvement in multiple sports provided opportunities to compete in different athletic environments while developing his football experience.
His high school career demonstrated versatility. Harris contributed as a defensive back and receiver, giving him experience on both sides of the football. He also competed in sprint events, adding track and field to his athletic background.
His early football journey, however, was not without interruption. Stepping away from the sport during his sophomore season created a significant turning point. With encouragement from Ausberry and the Lemoore coaching staff, Harris returned to football and continued developing as a player.
The experience stands out because his eventual progress came after a period away from the game. His return allowed him to resume competing and build the high school record that would support his transition to college football.
Harris established himself as a productive contributor during his final years at Lemoore. His versatility allowed him to participate in both defensive and offensive responsibilities, while his performances coincided with a successful period for the school's football program.
The Lemoore Tigers captured conference championships in 2022 and 2023, and Harris earned first-team all-conference recognition in both seasons.
During his senior campaign, he recorded 40 tackles and three interceptions on defense. He also contributed 500 receiving yards on offense. Those statistics illustrate his involvement in multiple phases of the game and represent the strongest documented statistical evidence of his high school production.
His performances helped him attract collegiate opportunities. Harris ultimately chose Fresno State over Washington State and Utah State.
His decision brought him to a university in California's Central Valley, allowing him to continue his football career at the Division I level.
Harris began his collegiate career in 2024, redshirting without appearing in a game. The season provided a transition into the college football environment before he began contributing during the following campaign.
In 2025, Harris appeared in all 13 games for Fresno State, primarily through special teams assignments. He recorded three tackles and forced a fumble against San Diego State on October 25.
The production was modest, but the season represented an important step in his collegiate development. Appearing throughout the campaign gave him experience competing within the Bulldogs' game-day structure and contributing to the team in a supporting role.
Harris's high school experience provides a foundation for understanding his athletic profile. His background as a defensive back and receiver exposed him to different responsibilities, while his participation in sprint events added another dimension to his athletic experience.
As a defensive back, his position requires awareness of opposing receivers, disciplined positioning, and the ability to respond to developing plays. His three interceptions during his senior high school season demonstrate that he recorded takeaways at that level.
His offensive experience also gave him exposure to receiving responsibilities. Playing both positions requires familiarity with different aspects of football.
At the collegiate level, Harris has primarily contributed on special teams. His appearances during the 2025 season demonstrate his participation in that phase of the game, while his three tackles and forced fumble provide measurable evidence of his contributions.
Harris's established accomplishments span his high school and collegiate careers.
At Lemoore High School, he contributed to conference championships in 2022 and 2023 and earned first-team all-conference honors in both years. His senior-season statistics included 40 tackles, three interceptions, and 500 receiving yards.
At Fresno State, he appeared in 13 games during the 2025 season, recorded three tackles, and forced a fumble against San Diego State.
These achievements establish a progression from a productive high school athlete to a contributor within a Division I football program. His collegiate career remains in development, with further accomplishments dependent on his future performance and opportunities.
The decision to step away from football and subsequently return remains a defining part of Harris's athletic journey.
His experience demonstrates that a player's development does not always follow a straight path. Encouragement from Ausberry and the Lemoore coaching staff helped him return to the sport, giving him an opportunity to continue pursuing football.
His subsequent high school accomplishments and move to Fresno State represent concrete progress after that interruption.
Harris is also pursuing a pre-health major at Fresno State. While Harris initially began his academic path at Fresno State on a pre-health track, he has since transitioned his studies to focus on a major in communications, balancing his evolving academic interests alongside his commitments on the football field. His academic field adds an educational dimension to his college experience alongside his football responsibilities.
Harris entered the 2026 season listed on the Fresno State football roster as a defensive back. His previous season provided a foundation of collegiate game experience, particularly through special teams.
His next stage of development involves continuing to compete for opportunities and building on the experience gained during his first season of game participation.
He returned to the sport after leaving it temporarily, contributed to successful high school teams, earned all-conference recognition, and advanced to a Division I program.
His experience also illustrates the importance of opportunities to continue competing after a difficult or uncertain period in an athlete's development.
Kiontre Harris's journey from Lemoore High School to Fresno State is a story of renewed participation, athletic versatility, and continued development.
His high school accomplishments established his credentials, while his 2025 season gave him experience competing in college football. The next stage of his career will be determined by his continued performance and the opportunities he earns within the Bulldogs program.
For Harris, the progress already documented matters because it reflects the result of returning to football and continuing to pursue the game at a higher level. His story remains unfinished, with future seasons offering the opportunity to build on the foundation he has established.
