‘A pinky toe in the door’: Former Byrnes, ECU RB Harris ready for chance in NFL
Former Byrnes and ECU running back Rahjai Harris hopes to hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Chances are, if you follow former Byrnes and East Carolina running back Rahjai Harris on social media, you’ve noticed a trend.
Every day, as soon as Harris finishes a workout, he posts the same simple message on his socials.
“1%.”
For Harris, “1%” has a deep-rooted meaning. It stems from a motto that’s carried him to a storied career in both Duncan, SC, and Greenville, NC.
“To me, 1% means trying to be a better version of yourself, every single day,” said Harris. “One percent better every day. Trying to lead by example.”
In late December 2024, “one percent better every day” paid off for Harris.
With East Carolina trailing NC State 21-20 in the Military Bowl, Rahjai Harris took a handoff and galloped 86 yards for the game-winning touchdown with just 1:33 to play.
“I give all of that glory to God,” said Harris. “Scoring that touchdown meant everything to me, everything to that school, everything to my family. And it just goes back to that one percent. Eventually, getting one percent better every day was going to add up.”
Harris quite literally saved his best at ECU for last.
It was the senior’s final touch of the ball in a Pirate uniform.
“To finish my college career with a run like that, I wouldn’t have it any other way. But it won’t be my last carry. I know that.”
Harris rushed for 3,092 yards and 29 touchdowns during his time at East Carolina.
Thursday night begins the 2025 NFL Draft. Harris hopes to hear his name called as one of the 257 picks made over the next three days. Some analysts see Harris as a potential Day 3 selection, while others believe he will be an undrafted free-agent pickup.
No matter what happens this weekend, Harris knows what he brings to the table and how hard he will work for any team that takes a chance on him.
“I’m telling you, a guy like me, I’m going to put my head down and work. I won’t be outworked by anyone. That’s the mindset I bring,” said Harris. “On the field, I’m a whole animal. I say that in the most humble way I can.
“And it’s about time for respect to start getting put on my name. I’ve been slept on my whole life. Some organization is going to get someone who’s a whole animal.”
Throughout Harris’s ECU career, he rushed for 3,092 yards and 29 touchdowns. He put it all together in his senior season, racking up his best year yet — 1,166 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 5.7 yards per carry.
Harris is known as a bruiser, running with power and being a nightmare for defenders to bring down.
His ability and drive have been clear since his high school days at Byrnes.
“Rahjai has always had this amazing blue-collar work ethic,” said Byrnes head coach Reggie Shaw. “He’s not all about the fancy, not all about the flash. But man, that dude will make your team better. He’ll make you better in the locker room, in the weight room, and on the field.”
Shaw coached Harris for three years at Byrnes. The eight-year coach of the Rebels says Harris’s character stands out just as much as his talent.
Harris before his senior season at Byrnes High School.
“He’s such a positive person. He’s always encouraging others, lifting the people up around him,” said Shaw. “Rahjai is a rare combination of humble and hungry. With players of his talent level, there can be arrogance attached. That’s not the case with Rahjai.
“His motto is about giving one percent more, being one percent better every day. He’s lived that out since the day I met him.”
With the NFL draft having finally arrived, Harris hopes to hear his name called and be on a roster by the end of the weekend.
He just needs one chance.
“Just give me one opportunity. That’s all I need,” said Harris. “Let me get one pinky toe in the door. I promise I’ll kick it down.”
