Charlotte 49ers football redshirt senior defensive end Tyriq Harris is one of 14 student-athletes around the league to receive the Conference USA (C-USA) Fall Spirit of Service Award.
The award honors the league's student-athletes with significant community service endeavors, excellent academic standing and notable athletic achievements. The Spirit of Service award is presented three times throughout the season with fall honorees representing men's and women's cross country and football.
A three-time team captain, Harris was one of 12 finalists for the 2020 William V. Campbell Trophy awarded to college football's top scholar-athlete and was named to the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class. He holds a 3.864 GPA in pre-business administration after graduating cum laude with a degree in biology. A three-time C-USA all-Academic Team selection, he was the 2018-19 C-USA Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year before missing the 2019 season with injury.
In addition, Harris was a semifinalist for the Wuerffel Trophy, presented annually to the Football Bowl Subdivision player who best combines exemplary community service along with athletic and academic achievement. He has volunteered at special events for numerous organizations, including the YMCA Miracle League All-Star Game, the Tim Tebow Night to Shine, Dream on 3 visits to campus and the Harrisburg (N.C.) 4th of July Parade. An officer on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), he has received the SAAC's "Mr. 49er" award recognizing involvement and engagement for three straight years. He has volunteered at Weddington Hills Elementary, Kings Kitchen, YMCA Healthy Kids Day, Elevation EKidz and has visited Devonshire Elementary School.