It was academics, however, that sealed the deal.

Harrison, an MHS senior who was all-Delaware Valley League honorable mention as a kicker and punter, signed Feb. 24 with McPherson College.

“I wanted to go to a college with a good art program,” Harrison said. “The art program at McPherson is amazing.

“Their football facilities are really good, too.”

A Bulldog at McLouth, Harrison will continue with the same mascot at McPherson.

The collegiate Bulldogs went 4-6 last season and are a member of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Before settling on McPherson, Harrison looked at Highland Community College in Highland and Tabor College in Hillsboro.

He also visited Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa, and Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Harrison, though, stuck with an in-state private college that awarded him a $2,500 athletic scholarship and a $5,000 art scholarship.

Harrison helped McLouth break long overall and home losing streaks in the fall. MHS was one game away from a winning season as the Bulldogs finished 4-5.

At McLouth’s fall athletics banquet, Harrison was given the Brammel award, which is given to MHS students for athletic excellence.

In high school, Harrison wasn’t limited to punting and kicking duties.

At McPherson, he could fit into some additional positions as well.

“If I get bigger, I’m going to try out for other positions,” Harrison said.