Hello: Drake Harris Comment Count

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Grand Rapids (MI) Christian wide receiver Drake Harris announced his commitment to Michigan today on Twitter:

Harris, of course, initially committed to Michigan State as a two-sport athlete—he's also an excellent basketball player—but decided to open up his recruitment when he chose to focus on football in college, saying he wanted to compete for a national championship. It appears that Harris believes he's got a better shot of doing that in Ann Arbor than East Lansing.

ADDITIONAL RIVAL SCHADENFREUDE PART ONE:

Harris was in Columbus on Friday. As in, like, two days ago. But sure, Buckeye fans, there's no chance this ends in disappointment:

PART TWO:

Something tells me that next trip isn't actually happening.

Anyway, informative update ahoy!

GURU RATINGS

Scout Rivals ESPN 24/7 Sports
4*, #3 WR,

#26 Ovr
4*, #4 WR,

#56 Ovr
ESPN150

Watch List
4*, 97, #3 WR,

#36 Ovr

Harris is regarded as one of the four best receivers in the country by each of the services that have released rankings; if he maintained his overall ranking on Scout and 247, he'd be in position to earn a fifth star by Signing Day (he's just one spot away on Scout as it is). All but Scout (6'3", 175 lbs.) list Harris at 6'4" and 180-185 lbs.—he fits the Borges ideal of a big, athletic outside receiver.

On Harris' Scout profile page, his strengths are listed as "Body Control", "Hands and Concentration", and "Route-Running Skills", with strength his only listed area for improvement. Midwest analyst Allen Trieu provides this free scouting report:

Has truly elite ball skills. Height, leaping ability and body control allow him to go up and adjust to passes most would not come down with. Is a glider on the field, and as a result, is faster than most will give him credit for. Can get deep, and is also good after the catch. Smooth, polished route runner who understands how to set up defenders and create separation. Willing and effective blocker, but must add weight and strength. - Allen Trieu

When putting together a list of each region's top prospects, Scout's staff mentioned Harris as one of the Midwest's best players ($):

Harris is a great athlete who is very natural at going up and getting the ball and does everything on the field as smooth as can be. He answered questions about his level of competition in the state title game, where he dominated despite being double teamed by a good team.

About that state title game...

Grand Rapids Christian’s Drake Harris set an MHSAA championship game record with 243 yards and one touchdown on eight receptions. Harris finished with over 2,000 receiving yards for the season; only the 12th person nationally to do so.

Grand Rapids Christian defeated a very solid Orchard Lake St. Mary's squad in that game; OLSM featured a very solid junior corner named Jalen Watts-Jackson, who has an Idaho offer and could see increased D-I interest. Harris, well, destroyed everything.

ESPN's evaluation echoes Scout's discussion of deceptive speed; again, strength and bulk are the only major areas of concern ($):

Possesses great height and wingspan with below average bulk, average strength and deceptively good top-end speed. Can build the speed off the line of scrimmage to run past defenders if given cushion. Can cover five yards in two strides consistently. Long-legged athlete with above-average quickness that will improve with increased strength, but he already has the initial quickness to escape press. Will run the short crossing routes and make catches with good concentration in contact situations. Has very good hand-eye coordination and focus. Snatches the ball out of the air in awkward positions. He is a natural hand plucker away from his frame, but will cradle some catches at times. Has shown quick feet and good body control to provide definition at the break point and to get his feet down on the sideline and end line. Not much wiggle, but surprising acceleration to outrun defender's angles.

His ability to haul in jump balls also comes in for high praise.

Tim Sullivan caught Harris last fall against East Grand Rapids; despite needing to add strength, Harris displayed good toughness, and Tim correctly predicted that he'd end up focusing on the gridiron over the hardwood ($):

His combination of height and speed made him an excellent deep threat for the Eagles, and though East Grand Rapids spent a lot of time bracketing him in coverage, he still managed to get behind the secondary on a couple occasions. Often, when an athlete considers himself a basketball player first and a football player second, you expect a bit of toughness to be lacking. That wasn't the case with Harris, who was willing to go over the middle and take a hit while still holding onto the ball. He also put in full effort on the rare occasion that he was asked to block. ... In all, it might not be long before Harris considers himself a football player first and a basketball player second - he's just that good on the gridiron.

Harris showed the ability to catch the ball away from his body, as well. To sum it up, Harris is a lanky, deceptively fast athlete who provides a solid deep threat, jump ball ability, and even the willingness to block and run routes over the middle. Once he gets into a college weight program, it appears he'll be the complete package at wide receiver.

OFFERS

In addition to Michigan, Harris held offers from Alabama, Cal, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, among several others.

HIGH SCHOOL

Grand Rapids Christian won the Division 3 state championship last fall, led by Harris and 2014 offensive lineman Tommy Doles, who also holds a Michigan offer. Despite their recent success, GRC hasn't produced a BCS commit—or anyone ranked above a two-star—in the Rivals era.

STATS

According to 247, Harris caught 91 passes for 2015 yards (22.1 ypc) and 25 touchdowns in his junior season, numbers that are impressive to say the least. As a sophomore, he hauled in a mere 45 receptions for 950 yards (21.1 ypc) and ten TDs.

FAKE 40 TIME

Because of his focus on basketball until recently, Harris hasn't hit the football camp circuit hard, and there's not a readily-available 40 time for him based on a quick Googlestalk. His highlight tape lists a 4.39-second 40, which I'm giving four FAKEs out of five (that's an elite electronic time for an NFL wide receiver).

VIDEO

There's also a highlight package from last year's state title game:

PREDICTION BASED ON FLIMSY EVIDENCE

There's going to be plenty of opportunity for Harris to make an immediate impact when he steps on campus; in 2014, Jeremy Gallon, Drew Dileo, and Jeremy Jackson will have graduated, leaving an as-of-yet unproven group of receivers, none of whom have Harris' blue-chip recruiting profile. It also helps that he plans to enroll early, per TomVH. If he lives up to the hype, Harris should at least compete with Amara Darboh, Jehu Chesson, and perhaps one or more of the 2013 wide receiver signees for a starting role, and it'd be a surprise if he didn't see the field as a freshman. From there, he's got NFL potential and should be a big-impact player for Michigan.

UPSHOT FOR THE REST OF THE CLASS

Harris is Michigan's fifth commit—the first at wide receiver—in a class that currently is expected to have around 16 members, at least until that number goes up due to attrition. Harris fills the biggest need in the class as an elite, field-stretching receiver; other needs include strongside DE (where Michigan is in good shape for five-stars Da'Shawn Hand and Malik McDowell) and inside linebacker (Michael Ferns projects to the strong side, and M will take one more). Otherwise, the coaches can largely focus on bringing in elite talent regardless of position, as Brady Hoke and Co. have done an extremely impressive job of filling in the many holes on the depth chart in the last couple of classes.

Comments

WolvinLA2

April 14th, 2013 at 6:39 PM ^

That is some funny shit. Little embarrassed I clicked, but holy shit they're delusional.

When someone on this board says something like "why would someone want to play for OSU/USC/Alabama over Michigan?" there are usually a number of people who out them in their place. Not there though, all homer, all the time.

yossarians tree

April 15th, 2013 at 2:55 PM ^

Yeah, and of course they like Dantonio because he brought them up from jail to at least mediocrity and even one really good season. But do they really see him as some charismatic, iconic coach that can sell recruits with his awesomeness? That's where the delusion takes hold. They are so desperate for that savior, they see it where it doesn't exist. Dantonio is a nice coach, but he's also a bitter, crusty man whose dream job is to hate Michigan from Columbus. His fallback is to hate Michigan from East Lansing.

GRBluefan

April 14th, 2013 at 10:06 PM ^

Just be the funniest thing I have ever read. Is there any way a fan base can really be so delusional? Those brahs are complete clowns. I don't know that there was a single worthwhile opinion in the entire thread. Just a lot of fat jokes and some head in the sand obliviousness.

saveferris

April 15th, 2013 at 11:27 AM ^

 

Just a lot of fat jokes and some head in the sand obliviousness.

 

irony (n): the use of words to convey a meaning this is the opposite of it's literal meaning.

"The irony was lost on Sparty fans who derided Brady Hoke as being fat when their own coach suffered a history of heart problems."

FreddieMercuryHayes

April 14th, 2013 at 6:21 PM ^

Well, he certainly put up Tecmo Bowl stats last year. He looks like he could be truly elite. That speed, natural ability to break away from coverage, and goodness, that concentration and body control even under extreme duress in a 6'4" silky smooth package. Those kind of receivers just don't grow on trees.



But I do have one concern, and it's not a tiny one (weight training can be easily addressed for his Caris Levert-ness, plus he's still a junior). He body catches everything that doesn't require him to extend. He's really going to need to work on that to take his game to the elite level.

FreddieMercuryHayes

April 14th, 2013 at 7:42 PM ^

But even when he's in tight double coverage, he'll let the ball get to his body if he doesn't require acrobatics for the catch. I hope he gets it sorted out, because we tend to resort our base habits. I would hate to see him revert to that body catching when he's got a college QB rocketing it into his pads, or with a legit college CB draped all over him raking it out.

Mr. Yost

April 14th, 2013 at 7:29 PM ^

Just yesterday someone was saying how we need to take a bunch of WRs in this class.

I disagreed, saying we need ELITE WRs in this class.

#wishGRANTED

WHEW, I'M PUMPED! Harris along with Darboh, Chesson and the incoming guys is certain to deliver a #1 jersey, 1,000 yard season and NFL 1st or 2nd round calibur player.

We used to churn these out on the regular, I feel whole again.

WolvinLA2

April 14th, 2013 at 8:56 PM ^

That's the beauty of getting Harris - if Chesson and/or Darboh end up being as good as they look like they can be and Harris isn't a bust, we don't need our 2013 WRs to be stars, we just need some of them to be solid role players. If one or more of them end up being stars, that's just gravy.

Mr. Yost

April 15th, 2013 at 10:04 AM ^

They may not be "stars" as in Julio Jones/AJ Green. But I think you find an Adrian Arrington/Jason Avant from this year's group. Or maybe a couple Greg Mathews types.

And we'll have QBs that can get these guys the ball as well.

It'll be nice having some competition at the position. Whoever ends up on the field will likely be a damn god player. Just like OLine and RB.

Mich1993

April 14th, 2013 at 9:10 PM ^

I'm a big believer that with the team we have in place we will be plenty good enough to compete for Big Ten titles and BCS games year after year.  I believe that with the outstanding running game we will have once our OL matures that our current WRs are more than good enough to put up lots of points (think Wisconsin with better QBs and WRs). 

That said, adding Drake Harris is a HUGE, HUGE deal!  He is the kind of player that turns close losses to Top 10 teams into wins. 

Most of the recruits we have added (other than Green) over the last 6-9 months I've viewed mostly as continuing our high level talent.  The only thing we've really needed are truly elite RB, WR, more DL (I think Taco and Pipkins will fit the elite category) and CB.  With Green and Harris, we've checked the first two boxes.  If we can add McDowell and/or Hand plus Peppers that would be unbelievable awesome!

Go Blue!

XM - Mt 1822

April 14th, 2013 at 9:57 PM ^

and especially so when they are a solid 4 star with a real shot at 5 stars.

must also mention i visited the rcmb because of the links people inserted here.  those are some sorry and sick folks.  i almost signed up for an account to let them know that, but i resisted.

welcome young mr. harris and go blue.  

jaysvw

April 14th, 2013 at 11:09 PM ^

As a GRCHS grad, it's great to see this kid make it to the big time.  Just shows how far the football program has come at that school.  For the record, I'm 99.5% sure this is the only D-I football recruit to come from this school......ever, Rivals era or not.  Probably won't be the last though, given the huge injection of funds to the program.

Meeeeshigan

April 15th, 2013 at 12:05 AM ^

I've seen Drake play in person several times (vs. East Grand Rapids), and I watched him on TV almost singlehandedly win the state championship for Christian last fall. When he was a Sparty commit, I tried to convince myself that he wasn't all that great, but I just couldn't. He is for real. Just as this column says, when he puts on a little more bulk/muscle, he'll be unstoppable. He already has the playmaking ability, body control, and incredible hands. Great day for Michigan (and for Drake!)!

School 4 the Gifted

April 15th, 2013 at 7:11 AM ^

Can't remember a start to recruiting like this in terms of quality.

That's FOUR out of the 1st five that are ranked in the top 10 at their position. And the 5th, Speight, most likely WILL be before long.

Rankings aren't everything but the perception from others kids about UM because of the rankings of the kids interested and committed can only help.

Heck, Helm and Scott had great visits too on an utterly crappy day for a Spring Game.
It's surprising until I remember back to my days in A2. It's a pretty special place......

FieldingBLUE

April 15th, 2013 at 8:49 AM ^

His GPA is under 2.0 and he clearly took the money from Hoke (it's the only way people commit to UM these days since they are irrelevant). BTW, did you know that our 3-star PG Trey Burke also was on the dole at Michigan? He's taking a pay cut to go pro.

- snippets from the MSU homers

It's actually a great sign for the program(s) when Sparties must invent these kinds of scenarios to sleep at night.

StellaBlue

April 15th, 2013 at 9:29 AM ^

Based on comments in this thread I just went over to RCMB for some schadenfreude.

At first I thought it was a parody site, but those guys are serious!  One thread over there started with the complete conviction that UM must be actively cheating to have landed Harris.

Sort of pathetic of them, but Go Blue!

 

ClearEyesFullHart

April 15th, 2013 at 9:35 AM ^

I understand that Harris and Devin Booker are pretty good friends...I wonder how much this helps us...?

Ali G Bomaye

April 15th, 2013 at 11:04 AM ^

Tough to get a bead on his route running skills, since his team's offense appears to consist of about 90% "hey, QB, throw it as far as you can, and even though it probably won't be far enough, it's OK because Drake will catch it."  I can't say I blame them, because if I were a HS coach and I had a WR like that I would do exactly the same thing.  But holy shit, are those some dominating highlights (and numbers).

Danwillhor

April 15th, 2013 at 12:59 PM ^

1. The first play I ever seen of Harris was the TD play shown at roughly the 2:00 min and 2:58 min marks of the first youtube video. It was a replay of the state game on Fox Sports channel really late one night. All I knew of Harris was he was supposedly really good and the time just announced he would concentrate on Football so the possibility of him still being a Wolverine was, in my mind at the time, a "chance" if even a small one. Anyway, wasn't even sure he played for one of the teams playing but it sounded right. No mention of his name by the announcers as I'd just tuned in. First play they show is that play. In my head I thought "let that kid be Drake Harris if he somehow comes to Michigan" and a second later they confirm it was, lol. First play and I could tell that even against OLSM the kid was just on another level. Glad to have him!

2. The comments by fans are one thing. The comments by PLAYERS (or soon to be like Reschke) are atrocious. "Target on his HEAD"!?!? If he just says Harris is now going to be a target it's one thing but to say he has a target on his HEAD?!? Then a current msu player makes a threat that was immediately deleted. Glad those dudes went to msu. They belong there. I know all fanbases have some idiot fans and some more than others. Even a few clown ass UM "fans" said horrible stuff to Dawson. Yet, for players of a school to threat personal injury to a kid still in his Junior year of HS over his life choice is ugly. Disgusting. SO glad I'm not an msu alum/fan.