Damien Harris Shines
Stop me if you've heard this before, but 2015 five-star running back Damien Harris is impressive.
On Monday, talent throughout the Midwest got together to participate in the annual Best of the Midwest Combine hosted by All Pro Sports, LLC. It is an event designed to aid recruits by being coached by the best the Midwest has to offer, and also allows added exposure to their recruitment. This is particularly valuable to some recruits if their area is not typically heavily recruited. Representatives from all the major recruiting services which include Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, etc were also in attendance.
The highlight of the camp was Harris' ability and speed. He posted some freakishly fast 40-yard dash times.
Five-star running back Damien Harris just ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash at Best of the Midwest.
— Jake Brown (@Jake_Brown) February 17, 2014
Another 40-yard dash run for five-star running back Damien Harris. Clocks a 4.34 this time. Currently weighing 202 pounds.
— Jake Brown (@Jake_Brown) February 17, 2014
Though the numbers were hand timed at the combine, a kid at his size and age running in the low 4's is really impressive.
Speaking of Michigan and Harris' relationship, Barton Simmons from 247Sports listed Harris as his top performer (free) of the combine and included an interesting note about Michigan.
"Harris was dominant throughout the event on Monday. He checked out in testing, running a 4.36 on the hand clock. He checked out in pass-blocking, dominating every linebacker in front of him. He then was smooth and natural as a route-runner and pass catcher out of the backfield. Harris also has a great build. Ohio State and Michigan are on top currently."
Harris concluded his fantastic Monday by receiving an offer from Alabama, which he confirmed on his Twitter account late Monday night:
Just got off the phone with Coach Saban and I've officially been offered by the University of Alabama!!! Beyond blessed! #RollTide 🐘🐘🐘
— Damien Harris (@Damien_D1Harris) February 18, 2014
I expect Alabama to be heavily in the mix for Harris. His recruitment doesn't appear to have an end in sight and I would not be surprised to see it go all the way until National Signing Day.
Barajas Surprises
Steve Lorenz reported late Monday that 2015 line backer Josh Barajas took a surprise visit to Ann Arbor on Sunday ($.) Barajas was visiting Michigan State but left at halftime during the basketball game against Nebraska to make a quick pit-stop in Ann Arbor. Barajas hit on his discussion with defensive coordinator Greg Mattison.
"That really means a lot to me to know that they like me enough to make me the first offer in the middle," he said. "That definitely means they believe in my abilities and think I'm capable of getting the job done. Coach Mattison really liked the way I move around in my film and he said I could be a big piece of what they do going forward. He told me that they will play the best player at a position regardless of class, and that nothing is handed to anybody there. I really like hearing that from him."
Barajas plans on making a return visit to Ann Arbor sometime in the spring.
General Odds and Ends
2016 wide receiver, Donnie Corley, was named the offensive MVP of the Best of the Midwest Combine. Corley visited Michigan over the weekend.
Congratulations to Donnie Corley from Wyandotte Hs. Donnie won Offense MVP of Best in the Midwest camp.
— Rising Stars Recruit (@RisingStars6) February 17, 2014
2015 tight end Chris Clark is seeing his recruitment blow up since his Michigan offer a few weeks ago. He picked up some impressive offers this week.
Extremely proud to say I have received an offer from Auburn University #WarEagle
— Chris Clark (@Clark8Chris) February 18, 2014
Received an offer from Notre Dame #irish #TE U
— Chris Clark (@Clark8Chris) February 18, 2014
Clark also spoke with Eric about his interest in Michigan. It's not surprising to see his recruitment blow up like it has. Michigan was smart enough to get in early and offer, which could give the Wolverines a slight advantage over the other schools, but his process is relatively early. Regardless, Michigan should be in great shape for his services.