Lemoore’s Kiontre Harris one of many who signed on dotted line to play at Fresno State

Kiontre Harris never hesitated who he wanted to play college football for.

That would be his hometown team Fresno State.

His explanation why he chose the Bulldogs is understandable.

“It all felt like such a tight knit group,” Harris said. “The coaches were really honest.”

Harris made it official on Wednesday on the first day of the early signing period. He helped Lemoore to a 10-4 overall record and 4-1 in the West Yosemite League.

Harris had 14 receptions for 300 yards and four touchdowns, and also had three interceptions, forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

Harris said the Bulldogs coach he spoke to often was defensive backs coach J.D. Williams.

What caught Harris’ attention is a Raiders hat on the stand. Harris said he’s a Raiders fan, too, and felt that was pretty cool to see before he had a conversation with Williams.

“Hopefully play for the Raiders one day,” Harris said.

As far as meeting with Williams, Harris said “it felt like a real honest conversation, who had a lot to teach me.”

Harris said he hopes Bulldogs coach Jeff Tedford is in good health. Tedford stepped away for health reasons recently.

“I hope he gets back as soon as possible,” he said. “I had a chance to speak with him before he stepped away from the team.”

Already Harris said he’s looking forward to stepping into Valley Children’s Stadium in front of family and friends.

He said he wants to make the most of his opportunity.

“I’m just a humble kid,” he said. “I pride myself on being quick, but I’m a good humble kid. I’m from the Valley so I know there’s a lot of people who support Fresno State and really care about the kids who are coming out of the program.”

Who signed with the Bulldogs?

Joining Harris were DB Jakari Embry, Golden West College; DB Gerayas Grimes, Casteel-Queen Creek, Ariz.; WR Marshel Sanders, Clovis West; DL Aukland Asiata, Sutter; DB Loyall Mouzon, Millikan-Long Beach; RB Bryson Donelson, Central Valley Christian; LB Logan Studt, Buchanan; OL Marsel Akins, El Diamante; LB Tytus Khajavi, Clovis West; WR Karim McCune II, Monterey Peninsula College; TE Jace Nixon, Liberty-Bakersfield; OL Ethan Dasmann, Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills; DB Jordan Pierro, Clovis West; DL Damarrion White, Granite Hills-El Cajon; WR Jordan Malau’ulu, Long Beach Poly.

What players are saying ...

The Bee caught up with two players and got their thoughts on signing with the Bulldogs.

Sanders: “This day meant a lot to me and my family. The Bulldogs made everything feel like home to me.”

Dasmann: “It means a lot, to be a part of this program and this team. Since the beginning I’ve really liked the coaching staff but also the passion of the fan base and how much they support their players.”