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| Drake Harris (#1) with Michael Ferns III (#10) and Wilton Speight |
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 180 lbs.
High school: Grand Rapids (MI) Christian
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #14
Last year: Harris was a senior in high school. He was a 247 Composite 4-star, the #8 wide receiver, and #67 overall.
Harris had a bit of a roller coaster ride in high school. Originally considered to be a potential two-sport athlete, he committed to Michigan State, mainly for basketball purposes. However, his higher upside on the gridiron made him reconsider, at which point he flipped to the Wolverines. Maybe the universe was punishing him for his indecision because he suffered a hamstring injury in August of 2013 and didn't play football at all during his senior year. That was a good thing for his opponents, considering he had a record-setting junior season (91 catches, 2016 yards, 23 touchdowns).
Harris enrolled at Michigan in January, but his hamstring issues persisted through the spring. He has reportedly been lifting weights and added some noticeable bulk during his recovery, but it's unclear how long the injury problem will last. Hamstrings can be touchy. The Wolverines have a decent group of receivers, and freshman Freddy Canteen got a lot of hype in the spring. While there is room for someone else to step up behind top target Devin Funchess, Harris will probably not be that guy, at least not this year. Redshirt sophomore Jehu Chesson got a lot of playing time last year, and redshirt sophomore Amara Darboh was ahead of Chesson on the depth chart until a foot injury sidelined him for the 2013 season. The prudent thing would seem to be a redshirt so Harris can continue getting physically ready for the college game.
Prediction: Redshirt
hopely he can recover asap with barely any proven receiver on the roster. Getting reps at WR really is a fair game for Michigan except D Funchess. It'd be good to redshirt him, but we might end up needing him in '14 if guys like Chesson, Darboh and Canteen don't pan out.
ReplyDeleteC'mon Speight... what's up with the pleated khakis? He looks like the dad of a player in that shot.
ReplyDeleteFrom spring reports, it sounds like Harris is pretty much a lock to redshirt. Even w/o the tender hamstring, he apparently needs some seasoning.
Have to question anyone who picks UM over MSU for football and MSU over UM for basketball at this point. One or the other, you can make a case, but both?
ReplyDeleteWide receivers can play right away and Michigan has tons of opportunity, but it sounds like Harris may not be ready. This is one of the top few freshman that I hope red-shirt because he has a high upside with his physical abilities. Unless he breaks through to being one of the top 3 or 4 wideouts this season I hope he sits, learns, and gets physically stronger.