FRISCO, Texas – UTSA quarterback Frank Harris has suffered through a gauntlet of injuries throughout his years playing for the Roadrunners.
With Tuesday night’s Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl being the last time UTSA fans would see him play in blue and orange, the last thing fans were expecting was to hear a report that Harris might not play in the bowl game.
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UTSA confirmed that Harris will not play in the Frisco Bowl in a press release stating that his not playing is due to a shoulder injury sustained while playing in the Tulane game on November 24th. The release included statements from UTSA Head Coach Jeff Traylor and Harris:
“We’re all just heartbroken that Frank will not get to play tonight against Marshall in what would have been his final game as a Roadrunner,” head coach Jeff Traylor said. “He’s one of the toughest players I’ve coached, and if he could be out there under center tonight, he would.”
“I’d do anything to be out there with my teammates, but unfortunately I cannot,” Harris said. “God has something bigger in store for me. To the fans, thank you for all the love and support over the last seven seasons. I truly appreciate it and don’t take it for granted. It’s something I will remember for the rest of my life. I won’t be able to play tonight, but I’ll be right there on the sideline supporting and cheering on my teammates to what we hope is our first bowl win.”
With Harris not available, redshirt freshman Owen McCown is expected to make his first start of the season.
UTSA FB just sent out a release saying Frank Harris will miss tonight’s Frisco Bowl due to a shoulder injury sustained during the Tulane game on Nov. 24. Freshman Owen McCown is expected to start. @InstantReplaySA @FriscoBowlGame pic.twitter.com/YFky1XldUT
— Larry Ramirez (@LRam2) December 20, 2023
KSAT’s Mary Rominger asked Harris when he walked out for warmups if he was going to play. He told Mary that he wasn’t sure then but would have an update shortly before the game.
Talk about getting the story! @KSATMaryRom went straight up to Frank Harris to ask if he’s playing tonight in the #friscobowl2023, he told her he doesn’t know yet and he’ll have an update when he comes back out. Harris is currently not throwing with the other QBs. #UTSA pic.twitter.com/1DYDO0o5EC
— KSAT Nick Mantas (@KSATNick) December 20, 2023
ESPN’s Pete Thamel posted on X, formally known as Twitter, that Harris is “considered unlikely to play” in the Frisco Bowl, adding that a decision could be made during warm-ups.
Rumors online have been swirling around that Harris could have reaggravated an injury or could have gotten sick during bowl game preparations, but nothing has confirmed the reason why he might not play.