OL breaks it down

Andre Harris is a big offensive line prospect from the Peach State. Harris, 6-4 and 310 pounds, is from Hampton (Ga.)Lovejoy High School.

"I had a good spring," Harris said. "My footwork has improved and I lost a bunch of weight. I am playing lower, being more aggressive and getting off the ball quicker. When the season started last year I was playing at 350 and I got down to 330 as the season progressed. Between dieting, wrestling and running I am now down to 310 and loving it."

Two former Lovejoy o-line standouts are now at Tennessee (Chris Scott, Anthony Parker). Does that give the Vols the edge?

"No it really doesn't. They talked with me about recruiting and just said to keep my eyes open and take my time. I like Tennessee and I have always been a fan. The atmosphere there is special and they have some die hard orange fans. The whole school is just a great place and you don't hear about people getting in trouble there."

According to Harris he has 29 scholarship offers at this time. Georgia Tech was the first to offer him while Rutgers offered him last Friday. Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Rutgers, Virginia and Mississippi State are some of the schools that he likes along with Tennessee.

"Mario Fannin (former teammate) is at Auburn and I have been talking to them for a long time. I just have a really good relationship with the Tigers and I like them and my family likes them.

"Alabama of course is known for winning and they send linemen to the NFL. Andre Smith might leave early and that could be a spot for me. I camped there last summer and I likeed Nick Saban.

"Arkansas is real good school. I didn't hear much until the spring. They saw me and then offered. Ever since then I have been talking them and they are coming at me hard.

"Georgia Tech was the first to offer me and I appreciate that. It's a prestigious school and that's where Tashard Choice (former teammate) played.

"Rutgers is out of state and up north in New Jersey near New York. It would be fun and busy playing for them. They are now a winning team and I like (Greg) Schianao.

"I went on a visit to Virginia and it's a really cool school. I like the coaches and it felt like you were part of their family.

"I have another teammate at Mississippi State (Keith Fitzhugh) and they have been talking to me and recruiting me for a while. I really feel comfortable with Mississippi State."

So what will it take to land this big offensive line prospect from the state of Georgia?

"First and foremost it's education. I want to major in sports broadcasting. Would I be happy at that school if I wasn't playing football? I will ask myself that question. Location is important to me as well.

Harris has already visited Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Alabama.

"I know I will be going to some camps this summer but not sure where yet. But I know I am going to take another trip at Virginia.