The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/122487
commitment profile Film Evaluation Strengths: The things Harris brings to the table are those that can't be taught: size and speed. He's a tall, lanky wide receiver with the burst and athleticism to get down the field in a hurry. That alone makes him a valuable weapon. He also displays the ability to catch the ball with his hands and has excellent body control in the air, putting those basketball skills to use to high point the football. He's a willing blocker, as well, and has surprisingly good technique in that phase of the game for a high school player. Areas of Improvement: Harris simply does not have the mass to play wide receiver in the Big Ten. He'll have to do plenty of work in the weight room to get physically to the point Michigan's coaches will want him. That mass will help him be physical playing the ball, after the catch and — maybe most importantly — as a blocker. He is also a little raw as a receiver, which is to be expected from a player who had previously focused on basketball. His route-running is crisp, but needs to be more consistent, and he needs to use his hands for every catch instead of occasionally letting the ball get into his body. Michigan Player Comparison: David Terrell played as a true freshman and put up eye-popping numbers during his three-year career in Ann Arbor. Although Harris needs to add weight to reach Terrell's freshman size, he has the skills to eclipse the former wideout as U-M's No. 4 all-time yardage receiver. — Analysis From The Wolverine.com ing yards and a touchdown on just eight receptions (30.4 yards per catch) to lead Grand Rapids Christian to an overtime victory against Orchard Lake St. Mary's. Although last year's starting quarterback, Alex Van de Vusse, will no longer be calling the shots this fall, Harris is working hard to eclipse his record-setting numbers as a junior. A lifelong basketball player — his initial commitment to Michigan State was to suit up on both the gridiron and the hardcourt — he's giving up his first love in order to reach his maximum potential on the field. "I'm just going to be lifting and conditioning and throwing with my quarterback all spring — AAU is done," he said. "I'm working on route-running, catching, ball drills and all that stuff. My biggest thing, though, is just getting bigger." For now, Harris is ranked as a four-star prospect, the No. 4 wide receiver nationally and the No. 56 overall player in the class of 2014 by Rivals.com. By the time the summer ends, he may be ready to climb those charts, just like he already has the state record books. The deep-threat receiver could be the missing piece to the Wolverines' recruiting puzzle. Since Hoke's staff arrived in 2011, they have reeled in top-flight talent all over the place on offense, but possession receiver Amara Darboh is the only four-star wideout U-M has landed. ❏