Interview: 2018 Louisiana APB Desmond Harry Ready for another 1,000-Yard Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Any true football fans loves watching different players work their magic at various positions on the field. Fans of the running game can admire a bruising power back, a hybrid speed/power runner who can mix it up, and/or a scat-back type of runner who routinely makes defenders miss with his quick-shifty moves looking like a magician cloaked in shoulder pads, a helmet, and cleats. Fans of the Wildcats in Angie, Louisiana, have grown to love their hustling scat-back in Desmond Harry.

Outwardly, Harry is one of those running backs that the coaches wind up and place out on the field to see what he does next. A play will be executed to hit a certain hole, but from there it is up to the brilliance in field vision Harry wields against opposing teams to carve his path down field. Harry’s emergence as a go-to player for Varnado High School was rewarded with first team All-District honors at the end of his junior season compiling 1,059 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns while pulling in four receiving touchdowns and converting three two-point conversions. The difference on the field took the Wildcats from a 7-5 squad in 2015 to a 9-4 team last season.

Recruiting interest in Harry is starting to pick up. Navy was the first to offer the 5-10, 170 pound, playmaker extending the opportunity to play Division-I football on May 31. Interest in Harry is coming from all levels with Louisiana Tech, Alcorn State, Nicholls State, and Southeastern being among the many wanting to see Harry work his craft during his senior season.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the overlooked talents in the Sportsman’s Paradise covering his recruiting process, junior campaign, and goals for the 2017 season.

Interview

Desmond, you earned first team All-District honors during your junior season, what all did you do on the field to impress voters to bestow you with that honor?

“I led my team in rushing yards and was an all-purpose player the coaches could count on. I played running back and in the slot. I just did what I could to help my team win.”

How would you or how do you describe your running style to others?

“My running style is shifty and I can play some wide receiver. I look to get to the edge and take it to the house.”

What did you work on this off-season in preparation for your senior season?

“I was in the weight room more this off-season. I worked on my speed and worked to get better all-around for my senior season.”

Are you adding any new positions to your game in 2017?

“I will do some kick returns this year.”

How did the Wildcats look during spring practices?

“We looked great. We have a lot of new guys that came in ready to play. I think we will come back and win another district championship. I am proud how we came out and worked this spring.”

Did any college coaches come to Varnado to watch you guys practice?

“Not to practice, but came by during school hours. Navy, Northwestern State, Southeastern, Millsap, Alcorn State, Nicholls State, Louisiana Tech, and Southern all came by to speak with me.”

Have you attended any camps this off-season?

“I have attended some college camps. I’ve been to Millsap, Southeastern, Southern Miss, and a showcase at Southern University.”

How did the Southern Miss camp go?

“That camp went well. I learned a lot of fundamentals and techniques at that camp. It made me a better player. They have a nice environment at Southern Miss.”

Which was your best performance among all the camps?

“My best was at the Southeastern camp.”

What did you do well there to make it your best?

“I dominated the one-on-ones. I was totally locked in.”

Do you have any camps schedule coming up?

“I’m trying to make some Louisiana college camps, like Jackson State and Northwestern State.”

Do you have any unofficial visits planned?

“I might take one to Southern and one to Navy in late July.”

Do you play any other sports for Varnado?

“Baseball and track.”

Which events do you run in track?

“The 4×1, 4×2, and 200-meter dash.”

Which is your best event?

“The 200, but I love the 4×1. We usually qualify for state every year in the 4×1.”

What is your best time in 200?

“22.60.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted among all the camps this summer?

“A 4.52 at Millsap.”

What goals have you set for the 2017 season?

“The goals I have set are to rush for at least 1,100 yards with at least 20 touchdowns and have 500-plus receiving yards.”

Is there a game you are already getting hyped to play on the 2017 schedule?

“Oh! Yes, sir. Pine High School (Franklinton), I think that is our second game of the year. That’s a big one on my list. That is a big rivalry.”

Desmond, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps and your summer workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Bogalusa Daily News; No. 4 Desmond Harry gets around the end (2016).

Photo credit: Harry family; Desmond Harry at a Southeastern Junior Day (2017).

Photo credit: Bogalusa Daily News; No. 4 Desmond Harry gives a stiff-arm (2016).