Oklahoma DB Justin Harrington Granted Seventh Year of Eligibility
What has long been expected by the folks in and around Norman has finally become official as defensive back Justin Harrington has been given the okay to play football for the Sooners for one more season.
The NCAA granted Harrington a seventh year of eligibility after he suffered a season-ending knee injury early in the 2023 season, giving the Sooners’ defense a major boost ahead of its pending move to the SEC.
Harrington, listed at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, was set to start at “Cheetah” for the Sooners’ defense last season and garnered rare praise from head coach Brent Venables after having an impressive offseason a year ago.
Then, when he went down with the injury, it was a bit of a gut punch, as he meant so much to his team.
“Justin had ACL surgery yesterday morning,” Venables said last September. “So I hate that for Justin, but he’s going to try to get another year. Looks like that will likely take place but that has to go through its process.
“Justin’s a great leader, if he stood up here right now in front of a mic, you all would just melt with his perspective and toughness, his love for his teammates. He’s a special guy and he’ll be a big part of helping us lead and keep encouraging our guys.”
Now, six months later, Venables is excited to have such an integral part of his defense available to return for one more go-round.
“It’s big,” Venables said of getting Harrington back. “He’s a highly invested guy. He’s talented. He can do a lot of different things. You are always looking for big, long, fast, aggressive, physical guys and he’s those things.”
A former JUCO All-American defensive back at Bakersville, Harrington recorded six tackles and an interception in just two games last year.
While he’s still recovering from the injury and will miss spring football, Harrington will be ready for fall camp barring any setbacks in his recovery.
