Ranking the Contenders: Four-star athlete Ish Harris
Ish Harris has more than a dozen offers, but earlier this month the four-star athlete narrowed his list to six schools and there is no certainty yet on where he could end up.
The Pilot Point, Texas, four-star athlete has Baylor, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M and Utah as his finalists. A prospect who could play on either side of the ball, Harris can help every team on the list with his versatility and ability both on offense or defense, and that's why he's such an attractive recruit to his six top teams.
In today’s Ranking The Contenders, we look at Brown’s six front-runners and put them in order of likelihood where he will commit.
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1. TEXAS A&M
The feeling is that the Aggies hold an edge for Harris but that other schools are definitely within striking distance. There is a lot to like at Texas A&M, however, and Harris knows 2021 signees Deuce Harmon and Eli Stowers.
If an agriculture studies program is what Harris wants to major in then College Station could make a whole lot of sense from both an academic and athletic standpoint.
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2. TEXAS
The offer from Texas is relatively new coming in mid-February, but the feeling is that it won’t negatively impact the Longhorns, especially now that coach Steve Sarkisian and new defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski – among other coaches – are making Harris a bigger priority.
One big thing in Texas’ favor is that it plans to use Harris in a variety of ways and not just pigeonhole him into one spot. With his athleticism and playmaking ability, plus Texas’ big-time reputation, it could be a major deal for the four-star.
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3. OKLAHOMA
The Sooners did not offer until Feb. 17 and it was the most recent offer prior to Harris releasing his top six. Oklahoma making that cut is a major indication of just how important the Sooners will play in his thinking because Harris likes the program a lot and he knows it’s a big-time offer.
Position coach Brian Odom may have some room to make up against other programs, but Oklahoma sells itself in many ways.
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4. OKLAHOMA STATE
Oklahoma State was the second offer for Harris, and it’s important to him that the Cowboys were the first major program to really get involved in his recruitment and stay involved.
He has also visited Stillwater for a game weekend and really liked what he saw in town and on campus, but will it be enough to overcome some bigger power teams in the SEC and the Big 12? The Cowboys might have a little ground to make up there.
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5. BAYLOR
There are a lot of interesting things that could be playing a role in the Bears having a real shot at landing Harris. Coach Dave Aranda is a defensive-minded coach and Harris has been intrigued by his success at previous stops and what he’s trying to build at Baylor.
The Bears also jumped in early in Harris’ recruitment and the education is strong, so the four-star will have to balance some recent struggles on the field and what he can contribute in Waco against some other programs on this list.
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6. UTAH
Harris could play a hybrid linebacker role in the Utes’ defense, move all over the field and make plays. He’s also being recruited by position coach Colton Swan, who has done an excellent job on the trail.
One concern is that Harris has displayed signs that he’s leaning toward staying closer to home, so even though it’s a compelling proposition, Utah might be too far away for him.