Penn State football has been on a roll in the transfer portal recently. James Franklin landed wide receiver Julian Fleming and offensive lineman Nolan Rucci last week, filling big holes at their respectful positions. This week, Franklin struck again while the iron was hot, signing cornerbacks A.J. Harris and Jalen Kimber.

Harris and Kimber will compete to fill vacancies left by Kalen King, who declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, and potentially Johnny Dixon, whose future is uncertain, although the draft seems likely. Both opted out of the Peach Bowl last month, indicating at least one starting cornerback spot is open next season.

Harris, a native of Phenix City, Alabama, stands 6’1″ and 190 pounds. The freshman comes from Georgia, where he made eight total tackles over seven appearances last season.

The former five-star recruit was offered by Penn State, but he didn’t appear to have visited State College during his recruitment. Harris was expected to choose either the Bulldogs, Clemson, or Florida, and he ended up committing to Kirby Smart’s program in June 2022.

However, Harris was downgraded to a four-star as a transfer. He’s the No. 2 cornerback and the No. 8 overall transfer in this cycle, according to 247Sports.

Harris’ NFL comparison is James Bradberry, who has played for the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, and the Philadelphia Eagles. A projected first-round draft pick, Harris was described by 247Sports as a “route-jumper that possesses the ideal speed/size combo.”

Kimber, meanwhile, has had multiple stops throughout his college career. Like Harris, the Arlington, Texas native started at Georgia as a four-star prospect, where he was redshirted for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Kimber then transferred to Florida following the 2021 season. He played in all of Florida’s 13 games in the 2022 season, making 13 total tackles, an interception, and one pass breakup. His one interception was against South Florida for 39 yards and a touchdown, and he also had the breakup and a season-high three total tackles.

He had a better season in 2023, though. Kimber improved with 23 total tackles, although he didn’t make any interceptions. He ended up with one fumble recovery, a quarterback hurry, and five pass breakups.

On December 22, Kimber entered the portal again. He ended his stint in Gainesville with 36 total tackles, one interception, six pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. Kimber landed in Louisville eight days later on December 30, but Penn State flipped his commitment Thursday.

Harris and Kimber each bring valuable but different experiences with them. Kimber’s presence is ideal, as the veteran could serve as a mentor to a younger secondary room that also includes the likes of Cam Miller, Zion Tracy, and Elliot Washington II.

Meanwhile, Harris’ potential as a former five-star and a potential first-round draft pick makes him worth keeping an eye on. If he pans out under new defensive coordinator Tom Allen, he could emerge as one of the best cornerbacks in the Big Ten.

Harris and Kimber join Fleming and Rucci, as well as edge rusher Jordan Mayer and kicker Chase Meyer to transfer to Penn State this offseason.