Harris, a junior college transfer, has made game-altering interceptions late in the second half of each of SJSU's last three games — all victories. He also made a key goal-line tackle in the victory over Utah State that sparked the Spartans' winning streak.

"I guess I've just been in the right place at the right time," said Harris, who returned a fourth-quarter interception 35 yards for a touchdown to ice SJSU's victory over UC-Davis two weeks ago.

Coming into the season, the biggest concern on defense was at safety, where the Spartans had to replace both starters from a pool of candidates that had never started a major-college game.

Harris has been a steady performer and one of the team's hardest hitters since fall camp opened. He is a big reason the Spartans rank fifth nationally in interceptions and haven't allowed 300 yards in three games. The transfer from the College of San Mateo is tied with cornerback Christopher Owens for the team lead with three interceptions and tied with Owens for third on the team with 37 tackles.

SJSU's coaching staff initially discovered Harris two years ago while recruiting another player — the same way it found Dwight Lowery, another impact JC transfer. Dave Fipp, SJSU defensive coordinator, was reviewing CSM game film of current Spartan defensive lineman David Lomu. Harris, then a freshman, seemed to be in on every tackle.

"He's what we were hoping he would do," said Fipp, who has high expectations for the player being asked to replaced last year's starters. "He's still got some things to work on, but he's going to do some really good things here."