Caught on Tape: The Elusive John Harris
If Darius Terrell does actually end up at tight end, as expected, perhaps the biggest reach on the offensive side of the ball is Naaman Forest receiver John Harris. A player with great size for the position, at 6-3, Harris doesn't pass the important, but overrated, speed test -- he runs a 4.67 40, certainly not a burner. In a deep class of wide receiver, Harris is hardly the most highly-rated, as well. In the aggregate rankings, in fact, there are four other receivers (Terrell is listed as a receiver) ranked in front of him. Two strikes against Harris. The third strike was figuratively called when it became apparent that there was a strange lack of film on any of the recruiting services of him, making any type of evaluation impossible beyond the miniscule nuggets of information out there. Apparently, catching Harris on film was about as difficult as snagging a moving picture shot of the Abominable Snowman.
All of this is not to say that Harris should be classified as a reach, before or after his film surfaced, but rather to simply say that the combination of his hardly eye-popping speed, relatively low ranking (as high as 23 in the state, as low as 38), and complete lack of film created the type of separation between available knowledge and truth that has to be filled with speculation -- the type of space in which conspiracy theories, for example, tend to flourish.
But now, dear friends, further analysis is finally possible. Finally, tape of Harris ($) has surfaced. Just like his 40 time, his film isn't eye-popping, but there is nothing to suggest that he was a reach. The most remarkable aspect of his film is just how far off the line of scrimmage opposing defensive backs play him, suggesting that Harris is a serious deep threat. With defenses essentially conceding the short pass, Harris catches a ton of short passes.
While that isn't impressive in and of itself, as the defense is not even attempting to stop those plays, what is impressive is the way the Harris makes defenders miss in the open field. On nearly every play in the highlight reel, Harris makes the first defender miss -- he has above-average feet for a big receiver. Once in the open field, Harris shows solid acceleration, not looking as fast as, say, Malcolm Williams, but certainly displaying adequate speed.
Given his size advantage, Harris should break some tackles, as well. He does, showing the capability to drag several defenders into the end zone, though he could finish some plays with more authority and a lowered shoulder to punish small defensive backs.
The hardest aspect of his game to critique is his route-running ability, as Harris simply doesn't have to show much in the film to get open. The good news is that the word on Harris is that he is a polished route runner, while also possessing the ability to find holes in a zone defense or catch the ball in traffic, important qualities for a team that will probably continue with the controlled passing game with Garrett Gilbert as the quarterback.
One highlight film does not a player make, but any concerns about Harris being a reach, in combination with the information already out there, can now be assuaged.
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Comments
What are the odds his 40 was actually legitimately timed?
Considering the artful fiction most HS 40 times are, a player with an accurate time, or possibly even within .05-.1 seconds of an accurate time would be at a notable disadvantage.
proud to swim home
by learned hand on Mar 5, 2009 5:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Very true
and some tracks are faster than others. There is also the element of human error, since most times aren’t taken electronically. Also, the times listed on the various recruiting services are often different. A lot of the kids get timed at different combines over the course of their careers, which are the most reliable times.
by GhostofBigRoy on Mar 5, 2009 9:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
semi-related question
Do you see Phillips playing offense of defense?
by andmyster on Mar 5, 2009 6:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
After Chris Jones committed
I would say that Phillips will play defense first, although Mack Brown’s policy is to allow kids to pick the position they want to play, so Phillips could spend some time on offense if that is what he wants. I think the slot receiver position will be pretty stacked at that point though with DJ Monroe (if still enrolled), DeSean Hales, Brock Fitzhenry, and the aforementioned Jones all competing for time at that spot.
by GhostofBigRoy on Mar 5, 2009 8:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
LSR 2010 updated
Has anyone posted this yet? I haven’t seen it here yet so sorry if I am being redundant……
http://texas.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=2107
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
P.S. 45-35
by SwimTexas on Mar 5, 2009 6:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Never mind .....
I just saw it in the fanshots….. Man I never look that far down the page!
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
P.S. 45-35
by SwimTexas on Mar 5, 2009 7:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Dude. Ghost . . .
Congrats on the Yeti sighting (Harris tape) . . . What do you do with the four hours a day you’re not posting on the site or doing research?
by edsp on Mar 5, 2009 7:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'm actually doing student teaching right now
believe it or not. Though I have some extra time during the day occasionally.
by GhostofBigRoy on Mar 5, 2009 8:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sooner offer here should further allay concerns. Sooners have done a tremendous job evaluating receivers during the Stoops era.
by lawdog13 on Mar 5, 2009 9:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
as Brian from MGoBlog says...
“Fake 40 Time…”
by whoopspat on Mar 5, 2009 9:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Harris
I have been trying to talk a buddy of mine to write a review on Harris because he actually coached him at Naaman Forest. Until I can get him to do this, I thought I would share my a few quick thoughts on Harris after seeing him play on a number of occasions.
-Naaman Forest has had below average quarterback play in the past 2 years. The QB his sophomore year was not very accurate, but had a good arm. When they did throw the ball, they usually launched it downfield to Harris, where he was able to show his speed and hands which drew the attention of many schools. This past year, their offense was primarily centered around the zone read and OU commit, Jonathan Miller, passing was not much of a option, even if they wanted it to be.
-After his sophomore year I believe he was ranked in the top 10 in his class. He has obviously dropped recently, but I think that is largely due to Naaman’s inability to get him the ball downfield this past year.
-Do not let the 40 time fool you, there is no doubt he is fast, but it may take him 5-10 yards to get going with his lanky frame.
-Hands are great, may be the most impressive attribute he possesses.
by Hookem4life84 on Mar 5, 2009 11:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Great info
Keep on working on your friend to do a write-up, if it’s solidly written, I’ll definitely put it on the front page. There isn’t much information out there on Harris, so anything that can be added is a definite help.
by GhostofBigRoy on Mar 6, 2009 1:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Growth spurt?
Ghost, does anyone know if Harris only recently grew to 6’3", maybe he’s adjusting to a taller frame. As usual, big props on all these player previews.
by Longhorn90 on Mar 6, 2009 11:22 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

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