Super soph getting early contact

Shariff Harris is a big running back prospect already at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds even though he is still just a sophomore. He's receiving interest from schools already, making him one to watch for 2007.

The Bayonne (N.J.) Marist prospect has already received some initial contact from schools including Virginia, Penn State, Iowa, Rutgers and Pittsburgh.

Harris ran for 1,400 yards and 22 touchdowns as Marist had a 4-5 record this past season. Harris nearly broke the scoring title in the county on the year.

"He's a special kid and a special talent," Marist head coach Jack Higgins said. "He was a nice surprise as to how he matured as a freshman and sophomore. In addition to being a very athletically gifted kid, he's a very tough young man who is hard working. It's not just his footwork, but his desire to run through tackles and make the extra block."

Higgins thinks Harris will almost certainly be a running back in college.

As for this spring, Harris is still wide open on what camps he'll attend, but he'll be attending the Blue Chip Combine at Rutgers on May 2nd as one of the few 2007 prospects invited.

College coaches and top prospects interested in more info on the Blue Chip Combine can e-mail mike@rivals.com