McKendree University Athletics

Ricardo Harris first arrived at McKendree University in 1999, just a few years following the revival of the Bearcats' football program. In his four seasons, Harris became one of the top defensive linemen in the program's history. 

AB a freshman in 1999, Harris recorded 40 tackles, including 12 solo stops and added six tackles for a loss and 1.5 quarterback sacks from his defensive end position. The 1999 Bearcats posted a 9-2 overall record on the way to hosting their first National Association of lntercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) home playoff game. In 2000, Harris was even more dominating on the defensive line as he recorded 43 total tackles, including 17 solo stops and added 11 tackles for loss and two quarterback sacks en route to earning Second-Team All Mid-States Football Association Midwest League (MSFA) honors for a McKendree team that won seven games. 

In 2001, Harris played a big role in helping the Bearcats return to the NAIA playoffs thanks to his stellar junior year campaign at defensive end. He finished the season with 54 total tackles, including 30 solo stops, had 11 tackles for loss and seven quarterback sacks. For his efforts, Harris was named a First-Team All-MSFA Midwest League selection and an Honorable Mention NAIA A!l-American. The 2021 Bearcats registered eight wins and earned their second postseason berth in three years. 

AB a senior in 2022, Harris was named the Mid-States Football Association Midwest League Defensive Player of the Year and earned First-Team NAIA A!l-American honors after recording 57 tackles, including 31 solo stops and finishing second in tackles for loss with 12 and adding 5.5 sacks and two pass break-ups. The 2002 team posted a school record 11 wins and advanced to the third round of the NAIA Playoffs. 

When his four year career was complete at McKendree, Rico, as he was known during his time as a Bearcat, had recorded 40 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks and had forced six fumbles. He currently stands tied for fourth in school history in forced fumbles (6), sixth in tackles for loss (40) and tied for 10th in quarterback sacks (16.5). 

Harris was a three-time MFSAA!l-Midwest League selection and a two-time NAIAA!l-American at defensive end. He is one of nine Bearcat football players to garner NAIAA!l-American honors twice in a career, earning the honor in both 2001 and 2002.