Nyckoles Harbor with a Crystal Ball(confidence of 6) to South Carolina
The lede is in the title. Not sure another way to properly discuss recruiting information for players that we heavily covet, so a forum topic it is. Recent rumors are that Harbor is very interested in South Carolina and what Shane Beamer is preaching to recruits.
Harbor is visiting Michigan for the game against Maryland at the end of September, and he's being recruited by "everyone loves this guy" Ron Bellamy. For those that didn't see, Harbor played against current Michigan commit Evan Link last weekend, with Link largely getting the better of him all game. Harbor runs the 100 meter dash in 10.32 at 6'5, 230 pounds, so he would be quite fun to see in the maize and blue.
Harbor is the #10 overall player in the class according to the composite: https://247sports.com/Player/Nyckoles-Harbor-46114050/
August 31st, 2022 at 10:07 AM ^
I'm not worried
August 31st, 2022 at 10:09 AM ^
He wants to play WR in college so I'm not too concerned about a UM commit beating him while he played DE. However, his hands look like they need improvement to be effective at WR at the college level.
August 31st, 2022 at 4:21 PM ^
What he wants to play and where he actually will play in college may be why other schools are getting him to listen more.
August 31st, 2022 at 10:11 AM ^
In recent years I've tried to take a backseat - "wait till he's enrolled and on campus" - approach to following recruiting.
But this kid, this combination of athleticism and size, is super intriguing. I really would like M to bag this guy.
August 31st, 2022 at 10:11 AM ^
Sounds like he is not announcing until December. When Michigan is around 11-1 and a Top 5 team playing for a NY6/Playoff Spot, we will see how attractive Beamer's fringe 6-6 record is with recruits.
August 31st, 2022 at 10:26 AM ^
You are right, however, SC made a big splash yesterday with the NIL program.
August 31st, 2022 at 1:47 PM ^
$$$$
August 31st, 2022 at 5:34 PM ^
This may not apply to this guy, but in general I worry about Michigan getting into crootin battles with schools that seem to be clearly throwing a lot of money around. Michigan doesn't really play those games in the same way as far as I'm aware. I'm sure at other USC that they're willing to guarantee all sorts of stuff for the chance to land an out of state 5*
September 1st, 2022 at 12:10 AM ^
With a player as good as Harbor is, there is no way around it. We are going to be competing against schools that will throw lots of money at him. So sell our academics as the cherry on the top and stress the number of pros Michigan has put into the NFL today vs. South Carolina. And make Michigan’s track coach a part of Michigan’s presentation.
August 31st, 2022 at 10:15 AM ^
Im already coping by saying I dont think he can be an elite level wide receiver (too raw of a route runner, not good hands). He also physically cant be a edge player (where he would shine) unless he puts on weight which he doesn't want to do because of track.
He's an elite athlete but not giving up track is going to kill his potential.
August 31st, 2022 at 4:39 PM ^
Good points. Because of his size, it seems track is not a good long term option. Plus, the money isn't there compared to football. Hopefully, he'll see the light eventually.
August 31st, 2022 at 10:15 AM ^
Never like seeing any balls to cocks.
August 31st, 2022 at 10:21 AM ^
So this kid has offers from Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oregon, ND, USC, and LSU, and he's gonna commit to... South Carolina?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
August 31st, 2022 at 11:12 AM ^
Harbor has elite track potential - like Olympics elite - and he is so serious about it that he wants to play WR in college- rather than DE that most experts project him - so he can maintain his track weight/shape. Therefore the level of the track program at his potential school may play a large role in his choice. I am assuming USC (ntUSC) has a very good track program.
The track situation is the one area* where M is at a bit of a disadvantage, otherwise he likes UM football and both his track coach and the AD at his high school have M ties. (*no idea how much NIL will play a role or where M stands in that area with him)
The fact that this is current a single CB and from a team reporter and not one of the National “experts” doesn’t move the needle as far as how this affects M’s chances IMO.
August 31st, 2022 at 11:39 AM ^
according to this list, South Carolina isn't in the top 100 and Michigan is #8.
https://www.ncsasports.org/best-colleges/best-mens-track-and-field-colleges
August 31st, 2022 at 12:08 PM ^
If track is a consideration, then it's UM and UGA--the only two teams in the top 10 on that list and listed as "warm" on 247.
I conclude either that it's a battle between the good guys and UGA or that quality of track program isn't as important to Harbor as other things.
August 31st, 2022 at 12:19 PM ^
That list does not list the best NCAA programs in track and field by results on the field, which is what Harbor is going to be interested in—it also incorporates general academic standings of schools, graduation rates, as well as financial costs involved:
"NCSA Power Rankings are based on proprietary analysis of NCSA Favorites data obtained from the college search activity of the over 3 million student-athletes on the NCSA recruiting network, U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges general academic rankings, and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard graduation rates and average cost after aid.
That explains why Princeton, Harvard, and Yale are listed among the top ten best track & field programs, which is completely farcical in terms of pure athletic competition.
If you want to get a flavor for who the strongest programs are, the NCAA championship results are a better indication:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NCAA_Division_I_Outdoor_Track_and_Field_Championships
There were only two Michigan athletes listed in the 2021 results, and both were in shot put. I didn't see a single name from South Carolina anywhere.
If Harbor wants to prioritize his track potential, he should choose from among the true national powers, all but one of which (Oregon) are warm weather schools in the South or CA/AZ.
August 31st, 2022 at 12:57 PM ^
Furthermore, Harbor is a sprinter and competes in a set of events where Michigan has struggled. He is going to want to run the 4x100m relay and would be disappointed by his teammates here.
September 1st, 2022 at 12:20 AM ^
So if he commits early enough, he can help recruit Olympic caliber track teammates. Then we get a boost in the all-around rankings and nuke the snot of Stanford in the The Director’s Cup or whatever they call it.
August 31st, 2022 at 7:03 PM ^
Seeing a bunch of Ivy League schools at top 10 tells me that this list is bunk.
This is a better rankings: http://www.ustfccca.org/team-rankings-polls-central/polls-rankings-hub?sport=2&season=2022&div=2030#season-rankings-calendar
Michigan isn't anywhere near top 15.
August 31st, 2022 at 10:23 AM ^
Obviously coaches new to programs can recruit outside of on-field production. But, SCAR went 7-6 last year and weren't particularly close to competitive against good teams.
Lost to UGA by 27
Lost to Kentucky (ok, but not great) by 6
Lost to Tennessee by 35
Lost to A&M by 30
Lost to Missouri (mediocre team) by 3
Lost to Clemson by 30 while getting shut out(!)
Their best win was against... a floundering 6-7 Florida team that was in the midst of firing Mullen? A 6-7 Auburn team with a coach that almost got canned this offseason? Mack Brown led UNC in a bowl game? THEY ONLY BEAT VANDY BY 1!
SCAR opens this season with Georgia State (should be a W, but not exactly a cake walk) and then @Arkansas (ranked 19th), then UGA (ranked 3rd). They will probably start the season 1-2 and could easily end the season anywhere between 5 and 7 wins.
Point being, if you're a recruit watching SCAR turn in another .500 season, the pitch from Beamer would have to be really impressive to overcome that.
August 31st, 2022 at 10:26 AM ^
Beat Colorado State. Winning solves everything, including recruiting.
August 31st, 2022 at 10:28 AM ^
It's one crystal ball from a SC insider. I wouldn't stress it much at the moment.
I also think it's important to note when discussing Harbor that I think now that it's become clear that he wants to play WR / Flex TE that he is not as good of a prospect as he was when he was considered a DE. His hands and route running are pretty mediocre right now. Not to say I wouldn't 100% take a 6'6" freak who runs a 10.2 100 M, but I think that's important context in his recruitment
August 31st, 2022 at 10:33 AM ^
Absolutely love MgoBlog and have been following it since the early 00's, but I wish we had a "scrolling" format for recruiting classes like Eleven Warriors does(ducks to avoid the flying shoe!).
For example, we could continue the Harbor conversation under a 2023 recruiting thread following his visit. Really a fan of that kind of discussion for recruiting.
September 1st, 2022 at 2:37 PM ^
But getting him would give us a huge boost in the team recruiting rankings-- and isn't that the only thing this board really cares about?
/s
August 31st, 2022 at 10:36 AM ^
He feels like a top 10 player on the defensive side of the ball, and a top-300 4-star on the offensive side. One is a definite take, the other is a take if it's a position of need. I would love to see him stick to the defensive side because I think he could be a #1 draft pick with those measurables and track numbers. But if he wants to play offense, then ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
August 31st, 2022 at 10:41 AM ^
you can't go throwing NIL $$ around like its just buffalo Nyckoles...... I mean, acting like that you're boat will never leave the Harbor!
I'm here all week folks.
August 31st, 2022 at 10:43 AM ^
Devin Funchess comp? We love throwing to TE-shaped objects. We'll be competitive for him.
August 31st, 2022 at 10:56 AM ^
That's a bummer. The WR vs. DE thing is interesting. At that size and speed he could be a Calvin Johnson type receiver, but you have to think that at this point in his life he knows if he can catch or not. How teachable is catching? I know [202] reps on a jugs machine everyday will give you great muscle memory, but to me, as someone who struggled to learn to catch well, it seems like there is an inate something that makes someone a great receiver. Is it all practice or is there an ineffable quality and can that quality be identified/spotted?
August 31st, 2022 at 10:58 AM ^
His high school athletic director is Brian Ellerbe, so hopefully he can ask Jamal Crawford to help us out.
August 31st, 2022 at 11:06 AM ^
How exactly did Link "get the better" of Harbor? Serious question.
August 31st, 2022 at 11:48 AM ^
Judging by the film I watched and Harbor's stats for the game. Harbor registered half a sack and Gonzaga won by 23 points, so I'd consider that a win for Link, no? Looks like 3 tackles and half a sack for the game for Harbor, not exactly a top 10 player expectation.
August 31st, 2022 at 1:07 PM ^
Sam Webb said the other day on WTKA that Link basically shut him down besides 1 play
August 31st, 2022 at 1:24 PM ^
Thanks x 2 (replies to mine).
August 31st, 2022 at 11:35 AM ^
I think Track comes first for Harbor, so that's a significant consideration when picking a school. Unfortunately, Michigan's track program isn't at the same level as SEC, Big 12 schools. I can see why he prefers to stay at WR so he doesn't bulk up because being heavy for track isn't good for track especially in sprinting events.
August 31st, 2022 at 1:08 PM ^
Am I tripping? Don't we have a very good track team?
August 31st, 2022 at 2:19 PM ^
This smells like the baseball thing. We're good "for us"... and for where we are, but compared to the south, perhaps not.
August 31st, 2022 at 6:07 PM ^
Good for B1G but Michigan doesn't compare to the southern schools in track. I had a friend who was recruited from the state of Michigan by a bunch of schools across the country. He chose a school down south because the coaching was better and the program was superior to Michigan despite the fact that Michigan was recruiting him hard.
If Harbor has Olympic level aspirations, Michigan might not be the best place for him. If he has NFL aspirations, Michigan is a good place for him.
Also, the track is unique in recruiting where track athletes tend to commit to a coach who can get them to the Olympics.
August 31st, 2022 at 11:50 AM ^
South Carolina...
must be really into academics.
August 31st, 2022 at 11:54 AM ^
Until Sam says he's concerned...I'm not concerned.
A SC homer with a 68% accuracy rate doesn't concern me whatsoever. Guys is just buying clicks.
August 31st, 2022 at 12:00 PM ^
Ha, right.
August 31st, 2022 at 12:09 PM ^
You have to remember too that he probably wants to play immediately. I've listened to interviews and it seems like he wants to just experience the college life, but he could ultimately turn pro in track after his freshman year or even during it if he finds out football isn't going well. We are kind of loaded next year still at WR so what's the point playing your 1 or 2 years of college football at a school where you ride the bench
August 31st, 2022 at 12:43 PM ^
CB from SC insider with 62% rate of being correct.
Not a CB from one of the national guys. This crootment is a loooong way from being over.
August 31st, 2022 at 1:06 PM ^
Wouldn’t be surprised….
USC (the other one) is making small (but interesting) waves down here in South Carolina. Clemson fans wont ever admit it, but they r looking over their shoulders lately…regardless of last years outcome in Columbia.
August 31st, 2022 at 1:37 PM ^
The Cocks are pulling in a decent class, and Im sure the Old Cock Money Cannon isnt shooting blanks with Beamer at the helm
August 31st, 2022 at 3:01 PM ^
I remember when everyone, including myself, was excited about Zach Harrison. Big guy who could run and was an athletic freak. Five star, top ten recruit. The only problem was he wasn’t that good at football. Damn good high school player but not elite, yet has all of the physical traits. He’s now a senior at OSU, backing up and rotating with a younger five star and he just hasn’t lived up to the five star billing. It happens a lot. He’s had a decent career at OSU, but he’s not the legend people expected. Sometimes you have every measurable a coach can dream about, but you’re just not an instinctually a great football player. I’m not saying that’s Harbor, but I do get concerned with recruits who have better measurables than statistics.
August 31st, 2022 at 3:48 PM ^
It's why I always hate the "high upside" arguments.
August 31st, 2022 at 4:11 PM ^
Ojabo, Kwitty Paye, giant DE who bulked up and played for the Cowboys whose name elludes me at the moment, etc.
We've done really well with high upside guys. Zach Harrison should have gone to UofM. He would have developed into a first rounder.
August 31st, 2022 at 4:31 PM ^
I mean we can’t act like Ohio State hasn’t produced high end edge guys like the Bosa brothers and Young. And Harrison was a 5* like those guys.
Harbor, and I say this still hoping he comes to Michigan, definitely strikes me as a guy whose college production very well may not meet his 5* star ranking. Furthermore, I think he’s a guy who will still be a high level NFL prospect. His pure athleticism and ceiling alone with have teams and scouts drooling regardless of whether he’s able to put it all together at the college level.
Hopefully Michigan can convince him that they’re the school that’ll best bring out his potential.