Interview: 2018 ATH Omari Harris Play at Linebacker getting him Offers at Running Back

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

High school players may think recruiting stars are the highest compliment one can receive for play on the gridiron. In actuality, receiving scholarship offers should be the emphasis knowing X-amount of schools think highly enough to offer whether they have a shot at signing the prospect or not. Another glowing endorsement on the recruiting trail is getting an offer at position one rarely plays.

There is no questioning that Omari Harris is a next level caliber football player. The question still remains at which position?

Harris got time in on both sides of the ball during his sophomore season tallying 33 tackles, 16 solo, one pass defended, and one forced fumble on defense at linebacker. On offense, he came up with 203 yards rushing off 22 carries with four touchdowns. Antioch High School posted an 11-1 record last season with a big push from the running game featuring Najee Harris, Class of 2017’s top rated tailback.

Omari has not disappointed thus far in 2016 coming up with 53 tackles in eight games played, second-best on the team. With Najee Harris and Dalaan Green getting the lion’s share of the carries, Omari has settled for six carries covering 29 yards.

Even with all of the emphasis on Najee, Omari has captured his piece of the spotlight. So far Cal, Utah, Eastern Washington, and Nebraska have offered the 6-0, 210 pound, talent… but not all see him as their next outside linebacker.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Harris to go over his junior season while getting an update on his recruitment this season.

Interview

Omari, the Panthers are 5-3 now after beating Deer Valley 44-19 on Friday night. How is the season going overall for the team?

“So far it has been an alright season. We are picking it back up. The three losses have been tough. We are learning how to bounce back and come together. The last two games shows we are putting in the effort to come together and get better as a team.”

If you win the next two games will the Panthers be in the playoffs?

“Yes.”

How did the Deer Valley game go?

“The first quarter it was really tough. We were making the necessary stops. I got an interception. Our team drove down the field then we threw an interception. In the second half we had a full head of steam going. We got a fumble return for a touchdown and forced another fumble. We executed well in the second half.”

What was your stat line?

“I think I had eight or nine tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception.”

What are some areas of your game at linebacker you have improved upon this year?

“I used to hesitate a lot. I’m not doing that now. I’ve been working on that. When I see the hole I go.”

What areas of your game are you sharpening as the season goes along?

“Coming downhill quicker. My behind the line pursuit is getting better. I’ve worked on keeping my head on a swivel. Blindsides happen all the time.”

omari-harris-eludes-a-tackler

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“I’ve been pretty busy this year. I have not focused as much on that during the season. I have been getting a lot of mail from Washington, Washington State, Arizona, Illinois, schools like that. Colorado, Colorado State, Purdue, and some other schools but I cannot think of them right now.”

Which offers do you have right now?

“Cal, Utah, Nebraska, and Eastern Washington.”

Have you taken any unofficial game day visits this season?

“Yes. I went Cal for the Utah game. That was very awkward because both schools have offered.”

Did the Utah coaches give you a hard time?

“Not really, they were understanding. They were glad I could make it there to see them play.”

omari-harris-at-cal

How did the Cal visit go?

“It was great. I took my dad and uncle. They loved it. The coaching staff was amazing. I talked to the coaches before the game it was great.”

Which position are they recruiting you to play?

“Actually they are recruiting me to play running back.”

Are you excited about the possibility of playing running back in college?

“Yeah, I am. I talked to both the linebacker (Art Kaufman, defensive coordinator) and running back coach (Garret Chachere). However it goes, I’ll be happy. If I get to play either position I will be happy getting to play football with a free education.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“Not right now. I want to visit Nebraska while we are on winter break.”

Omari, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: ibabuzz.com; No. 28 Omari Harris eludes a tackler.

Photo credit: thepress.net; No. 28 Omari Harris breaks free.

Photo credit: Harris family; Omari Harris (right) on the field at Cal.