Two-team race for Harbison
SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Charlotte (N.C) Mallard Creek wide receiver Jamel Harbison can't say enough good things when talking about Minnesota, the school he pledged to back in September.
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"I feel like it's home up there," Harbison said.
Even so, when asked how committed he was to the Golden Gophers following practice Tuesday at the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, Harbison replied, "Eight-five percent."
The reason that number isn't 100?
"Vanderbilt," Harbison said.
The 6-foot, 191-pounder will make an official to Nashville to check out the Commodores on Jan. 27. He previously officialed to Minnesota this fall. For now, those are the only two programs really in the race.
"Right now, that's my top two," Harbison said. "I've cut it down."
According to Harbison, Vanderbilt is giving him something to think about largely because of its proximity to Charlotte.
"It's just a little bit closer to home," Harbison said. "I've talked to my parents about it. I'm going there to check out the facilities. It's a great education there and it's SEC football. And my parents can come down and watch me. That visit is going to be a big thing. I'm not going to worry about football. I know the football is good."
Despite Harbison's interest in Vanderbilt , it looks as if Minnesota won't be easy to beat.
"They talked to me about my physical abilities and where I'd fit in," Harbison said. "They're recruiting me pretty hard. I heard from [Golden Gophers assistant Jim] Zebrowski this morning. I know they're not worried."
Keith Niebuhr can be reached at keithrivals@yahoo.com. You can follow him on Twitter @KeithRIVALS.