3-star TE Harris talks Louisville, Cal

Things are really starting to pick up on the recruiting front for three-star Montgomery (Ala.) St. James tight end Jalen Harris, with more and more programs joining the 6-foot-5 prospect offer list.

One of the most recent was Louisville, a program that is pushing farther into the Southeast.

"I picked up an offer from Louisville earlier this month and that was a good one," Harris said. "Coach Scott came down to my school earlier this year and we talked and we've been building a relationship since then. He called me one day after school and he told me that I have an offer. He said they watched my film and they like me a lot so that's a good feeling."

With several new offers coming in, Harris is hoping a busy spring and summer will lead to offers from some more big-time programs.

"I'm going to go to a lot of camps and stuff and let coaches see me in person," he said. "I'm going to go to South Carolina on June 13 for camp and I think if I do well they're going to offer me. I think after that it could get everything rolling for me."

When it comes to a "dream offer" or a school he's really hoping joins his list, Harris said he's keeping an open mind.

"I'm open to all schools," he said. "I grew up an Alabama fan so of course that's an offer I want but I'm not really waiting on anyone in particular. I'm just weighing my options and working hard."

One school that continues to push hard is California. The Golden Bears are new to Southeast in terms of recruiting, but are making Harris a prime target.

"Me and Coach Tommerdahl talk almost every single day," Harris said. "He's the inside receivers coach and he's from the South, too, so he tells me he likes out there a lot. The academics there are top-notch and that's an appealing option because football doesn't last forever."

While Cal runs a wide-open passing offense, Harris said the Bears have talked to him about the possibility of transitioning to defense.

"They told me that if tight end doesn't work out that they can see me as a defensive end," he said. "I think it's a possibility but tight end is really what I want to play. But if it comes to that point and I think I can have success on defense then I'm willing to move."