re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition

quote:

---

More than three months ago, Plaquemine, Louisiana, safety Todd Harris had the recruiting world in the palm of his hand when he held a press conference during which many expected him to end his recruiting process.

The 4-star prospect sat in the Plaquemine High School gym with the hats of three schools in front of him—Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss.

The final result: Harris pulled out a Plaquemine hat. He then committed to his high school. While Harris received heat from critics on social media, Plaquemine head coach Paul Distefano immediately took full responsibility for the publicity stunt.

Since then, Harris has been relatively quiet with the ultimate plans of his recruiting. That includes official visits, potential favorites and even sleeper teams that may have a shot on national signing day.

On Tuesday, after taking part in his Under Armour jersey presentation, Harris chatted with Bleacher Report and gave an update on his recruitment status.

In short, don't expect any major moves any time soon. He's considering announcing his verbal commitment during the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 1. Until then, he's doing his own research in an effort to make one decision—and one decision only.

"I'm just waiting, because when I do decide, I want to be 100 percent committed to that school," Harris said. "I still have to see what's my parents' opinions are on what schools I have in mind as well."

Harris has yet to take an official visit and said they most likely will take place immediately after his senior season. Alabama, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and in-state LSU are among the schools that have a chance at an official visit. None of those, he emphasized, are set in stone.

All four SEC schools have something that intrigues the 6'0", 185-pounder. The next few weeks will be big on the field for all of the schools, and Harris said he will be watching.

"All have great programs and great coaches," he said. "All the schools are competing for the national championship every year."

Harris is a safety with a cornerback's coverage skills and a linebacker's tackling ability. He's an athlete with the versatility that every coach wants in a guy in the secondary. Add the fact that Harris returned a kickoff 76 yards for a touchdown last week against Livonia High School, and the options on how to use him on the field are heightened.

He entered his senior season averaging 82.5 tackles and 19 pass breakups in two varsity seasons. He has 53 tackles, nine pass breakups, an interception and a fumble recovery this season, according to Andrew Lopez of NOLA.com.

Harris has 12 reported offers, according to Scout.com, and is ranked No. 79 overall in the 2017 class.

Harris said he is excited about the future with next-level football, but for now, his focus is on helping Plaquemine make the playoffs. The team is 4-3 on the year and riding a three-game winning streak entering Friday's clash with Woodlawn High School out of nearby Baton Rouge.

Harris has seen athletes commit, then decommit, and he said that while he understands every athlete has their reasoning, he doesn't want to be placed in that category.

"I'm going to commit, and that's going to be it," he said. "I'm not going to flip decisions."

Harris added that wherever he goes, he's looking to compete immediately. Playing in the Under Armour All-America Game will give him a chance to show his skills against some of the college football household names of the future.

"It's a blessing. It shows how much of hard work, sweat and dedication I have put into the game of football," Harris said of the Under Armour invitation. "It makes me more proud because my parents are so pleased and happy with me. They've supported me throughout my whole life no matter what."

---