Ryan Dunleavy

@rydunleavy

As a loyal alum of Penn State, New Jersey native Franco Harris wants what is best for his alma mater. And right now that includes success for Big Ten Rutgers and Maryland, both of whom officially become Big Ten members Tuesday.

“I feel very excited about it," Harris said Thursday night at a party thrown by the Big Ten Network to celebrate expansion to the east coast. "In a way I felt that Penn State was all alone out this way. Then with (former Penn State football coach) Joe Paterno being from New York you felt there was always that connection here. When Rutgers and Maryland came here, it was like, ‘Yes!’ We want the eastern side to kind of dominate."

Harris, who graduated from Rancocas Valley High School in 1968 and still has family living in New Jersey, doesn't remember being recruited at all by Rutgers, which was playing a mostly Ivy League schedule back then.

“That’s a long way," Harris said when asked how far Rutgers has come since then. "I’m a Big Ten fan. When Penn State joined it I was very happy about that. With Rutgers and Maryland -- I did visit Maryland, they did recruit me back in the day -- I’m just hoping that the three schools can build a dynamic, strong eastern part of the Big Ten.”

Though he is most famous for making the "Immaculate Reception" that led the Pittsburgh Steelers past the Oakland Raiders in the 1972 NFL playoffs, Harris rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns in three seasons at Penn State. He was the 13th overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft.

“I feel we can have some great competition against each other," Harris said of the trio of schools. "We’re probably competing with recruits as well as on the playing field in all the different sports."

The competition in football heats up Sept. 13 when Penn State visits Rutgers at 8 p.m. in a Big Ten Network-televised game. Harris is hoping to be part of the crowd, even if it means he has to wear a little bit of scarlet with his navy blue.

“When we play Rutgers in September, I’m sure you guys know Penn State is going to show up," he said. "We’re going to be there in force. I’m really looking forward to that. I’m looking forward to the competition. As you know, it takes some adjustment. I wish (Rutgers) a lot of luck. Except against Penn State.”