If Harris completes his academic requirements and graduates, he can play anywhere he wants in 2012 without sitting out a year if he takes graduate courses not offered by BC.

“I think I want to stay closer to home,’’ said Harris, who grew up in Jacksonville, Fla. “That would be my first choice. I know I’m going to spend the next few weeks just looking at all my options.’’

Spaziani said the decision to let Harris go was a difficult one, but he felt things had run their course.

“He’s a good kid,’’ said Spaziani. “And I wish him well. He has a lot of things going on his life right now.

“Things happen and we have to move on.’’

For the Eagles and their career rushing leader, that moment arrived Tuesday afternoon.

Mark Blaudschun can be reached at blaudschun@globe.com.