Recruiting 2014: Drake Harris

Well, recruiting is happening earlier and earlier -- might as well accept that.  At least it's starting to look like the class of 2014 will be special.  MSU already has commits from 2 excellent Michigan prospects, and they look to have a great chance with some of the nation's top recruits.

With that, let's take a look at MSU's first commit for 2014. Wide Receiver Drake Harris committed back in June. Harris is not currently rated by any of the recruiting services -- since he's only a junior! -- but he is widely regarded as the top wide receiver in the state, for his class. He's also considered a pretty good recruit for basketball.  It appears that Tom Izzo was involved in his recruitment and that he may get to be a two-sport athlete in college.

Harris is a large target (6' 4"), but there's not much info yet on his athleticism. Fortunately, there is some video of his sophomore year.

Harris does not look all that explosive (as a sophomore!) but his long legs cover a lot of ground. He seems to easily separate from defenders, both when he is running a route and after he's caught the ball. He also seems to have pretty good hands and can go up to win the ball in the air.

Upshot: It's hard to evaluate sophomores. In my mind it's a little too early to be looking at guys (at least, for bloggers to be looking at guys), especially because they won't be playing for MSU for at least 2 years and possibly 3 if he has to redshirt. Still, Harris will be one of the top 5 players in the state for his class, and that represents a huge get for the Spartans. If the Spartans can add Thaddeus Snodgrass (the top receiver from Ohio) to this class, then the makings of elite class are there. That kind of receiving talent will certainly attract a top quarterback.