10/10/2016 football Edit

Harley returns to Utah with WVU commitment in tact

Rob Cassidy • Rivals.com

Recruiting Analyst

Following his weekend visit to Utah, West Virginia commit Mike Harley, as most committed prospects do, made sure to point out that his pledge to the Mountaineers is on solid footing.

“After the game, I talked to the coaches at Utah and they’re definitely in it, but I’m still West Virginia committed solid,” Harley said on Sunday. “It’s real solid.”

But that didn’t stop the four-star wide receiver from enjoying his trip. His visit was standard by most accounts. Utah’s win over Arizona served as the highlight, but the campus visit was more than a football game.

“They showed me around the campus,” Harley said. “They showed me Salt Lake City and stuff like that. It surprised me because I really only thought it was like a small little city with nothing but Utah football, but it was big. It was really big with a lot of stuff to do there.”

Then, there were the familiar faces. The Utes have landed a handful of prospects from South Florida, including some from Harley’s St. Thomas Aquinas High School, in recent years. The situation helped Harley feel comfortable from the jump.

“I was with all the St. Thomas guys – Chris Hart and Tyson Cisrow -- all weekend,” Harley said. “They showed me around. They love out there. They just say it’s peaceful.”

The no. 26 wide receiver and No. 160 overall prospect in the class of 2017, Harley committed to West Virginia over the summer. He will visit Wisconsin on Oct. 15, West Virginia on Oct. 22, Michigan on Nov. 15 and Louisville on Nov. 26.

IN HIS WORDS: “I’m looking forward to seeing Wisconsin next week. I have a great relationship with two or three of the coaches. I just can’t wait to see what they offer and how the offense runs.”

RIVALS REACTION: Harley legitimately enjoyed his trip to Utah but the biggest threat to West Virginia is a looming trip to Michigan, which will come directly after his trip to Morgantown. Should USC decide to offer Harley, it will also insert itself into the running. Still, for right now, it’s the Wolverines that should be watched.