No recruiting drama for Gators OL commit Knijeah Harris
On Saturday, Gators offensive line commit Knijeah Harris returned to Gainesville for his second Florida game of the season. He was also in attendance for the victory over USF after visiting several times during the spring and summer, including on June 10 for an official visit.
“In both games, they fought until the end and I think that’s one of the biggest things to look at. They kept fighting throughout the game,” Harris told Gators Online’s Pat O’Donnell.
It was on May 7 when Harris pulled himself off the market by committing to the Gators. Alabama, Miami, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Michigan State were the additional finalists at the time, but UF had cemented itself as the expected destination after receiving visits in March and April.
Since then, the 6-foot-3, 327-pound senior has done nothing but give it his all to IMG Academy and visit the Gators whenever time permits. Has anything changed in terms of possibly visiting other schools?
“Nah, I’m locked in,” Harris replied.
With his recruitment process now an afterthought, Harris has gladly taken on the role of recruiter. Rockledge native Bryce Lovett is the other offensive lineman in the class, but the Gators are still on the hunt in hopes of beefing up their offensive front even more.
“Rod Kearney and Frankie (Tinilau) from Miami who is committed to Miami. Those are a few guys I’m recruiting. They are some of the guys the coaches identified that they want me to keep going after,” Harris said.
Harris, who plans on early enrolling, says he will be traveling up to Jacksonville for Florida’s game against Georgia. As for the final home game against South Carolina, nothing is scheduled to this point.
Scouting Report on Knijeah Harris
With Harris, this is a prospect who has plenty of experience pulling and getting downhill to punish defenders.
He provides that pop at the point of attack, and more often than not, does a good job of getting his opponent to the turf. He also shows good awareness when scanning the field for defenders. There are times when he can do a better job of sinking his hips and making contact with better pad level, but that is not a big concern.
Although he typically overwhelms the opponent in front of him, Harris can make improvements in the strength and conditioning department. IMG suits up against quality competition; however, the SEC is obviously another level and boasts much stronger players. He needs to continue to get stronger overall; that will improve his drive-blocking ability even more.
There are times when he overextends in pass protection; however, that is something he can correct fairly quickly. He shows decent footwork in that part of his game and is aware of his surroundings as well. At this stage in his career, however, Harris is more advanced as a run blocker.
As for his projected fit, Harris says the Gators are courting him to play a mixture of guard and center. He actually moved to center as a senior, so that will be great practice ahead of his time in Gainesville.
With all that being said, what stands out the most is Harris’ aggressiveness. In today’s day and age of college football, everyone wants the lean and prototypical type of offensive linemen; however, with Harris, this is a stout road grader along the interior who brings it every play.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
