Marvin Harrison Jr. Reveals His ‘Ultimate Goal’ in Football, Says NFL Draft Is ‘Part of the Process’ (Exclusive)

"I'm definitely grateful to be able to be one of the top picks hopefully and continue my football career," the Ohio State wide receiver tells PEOPLE exclusively

Marvin Harrison Jr. is already a football standout... and he's just getting started.

The Ohio State wide receiver — who is one of the most exciting prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class and expected to be selected early in the first round on April 25 — opened up to PEOPLE ahead of the big day.

Harrison Jr. says he's "definitely excited" at the thought hearing his name called on draft day, explaining to PEOPLE exclusively how the prestigious opportunity to transition his career to the NFL is "a part of the process" to achieve his longterm plans in the sport.

"My ultimate goal is to be one of the best football players to play, so it's just another step in that direction," the 21-year-old star says. "I'm definitely grateful to be able to be one of the top picks hopefully and continue my football career."

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Harrison Jr., who's the latest member to join New Balance's stacked roster of athletes, was born to play football. The two-time unanimous All-American is the son of Marvin Harrison Jr, a former NFL star who doubles as a Super Bowl Champ and Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Marvin's 13-year career with the Indianapolis Colts was remarkable, in part due to his many achievements with then-quarterback Peyton Manning. The legendary QB threw 114 touchdowns to Marvin, the most in NFL history for one quarterback-receiver pairing.

Despite the expectations that fans are putting on Harrison Jr. to follow in his father's football footsteps, the Ohio Buckeye says he "wouldn't say there's any added pressure being his son." He explains, "I hold myself to a high standard, so obviously my goals are very high."

Harrison Jr. has proved that to be true both on and off the field, as a student athlete who's previously expressed his priority on athletics, but also academics, as well. He's racked up a number accolades and honors throughout his college career.

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In 2023, Harrison Jr. was honored with the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top wide receiver and was a Heisman Trophy finalist. He finished the year with 67 catches for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns in one of the best single seasons in school history.

His father has shared advice throughout Harrison Jr.'s career that sticks with him.

"Just continue to work hard each and every day," Harrison Jr. says, as he begins to rattle off the list of advice from his dad. "Never look too forward. Do something, don't look back in the past. Just take it one day at a time and do as much work as you can."

The latter is a bit of advice that Harrison Jr. is actively practicing as he heads into the NFL Draft. While he says playing in the NFL "was always a dream," he strives to focus on what's in front of him.

"I always worked hard and football took me where it took me, but I never really thought too much ahead of myself and always tried to take it one day at a time. Just go from there," he says.

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As for his focus right now, Harrison Jr. is helping New Balance create its unique footprint as it launches its first products in American football. "Being with New Balance allows me to inspire the younger generation and give back to many communities," he says of why he signed with the brand.

New Balance is aiming to change the perception that players must give up fit and feel when it comes to cleats, proving that comfort and performance can live together in a high-performance shoe — something that Harrison Jr. looks for in a perfect pair.

"You gotta be able to do the many things I have to do to play. Don't want to risk your position. Got to play, run fast, change direction and also still be comfortable," he explains. "I think the New Balance cleat does a good job of allowing me to be comfortable and still perform at a high level."

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