Interview: 4-Star 2023 Georgia DE Gabriel Harris Talks Football and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
This time of the year on the high school football fields… it gets no better. After the joy of an opening season game, nothing beats the intensity on the field at the end of the schedule as teams fight for playoff spots while prepping for a championship run. The winter heat coming off the 4A Georgia gridiron is hot, especially at Thomas County Central. The Yellowjackets are sitting at 3-4 with Bainbridge and Dougherty left on the schedule.
Putting his will to win on the line commanding a postseason berth is four-star Class of 2023 defensive end Gabriel Harris. The 6-4, 235-pound, talent has been a force this season and is ready to dominate to close it out.
With 11 offers on the table and determination in his voice, Harris updates us on his season, the Yellowjackets final two contests in the regular season with an overview on his recruiting.
Interview
Gabe, you got snaps during your freshman season with the Yellowjackets on varsity. How did that early experience help prepare you over the offseason for the 2020 schedule?
It prepared me by throwing me in the fire early. It gave me a good approach to the game. Last season, it was hard, we played some big teams, but I made some big plays. I started one game last season, and this is my first year playing the whole game as a starter. I took last year and applied this year.
The defense is mixing it up with fronts this season and with your alignment from one side to the other with a hand down and standing up. What schemes are you guys executing and what are your responsibilities within the defense?
We play that four-man front, they have me standing up some. In Cover 2, I cover the backs. We have a DLU squad. We have athletes and we play well together.
With the experience from this season, where are you showing the biggest improvements in your overall game?
My speed. Everything else is good – I have good hands and footwork is good. My speed has increased a lot. I am chasing down people.
What are some of the attributes to your game that the fans might overlook?
When a guard pulls, I set that edge and I don’t get washed away.
Which game this year has been your best?
The Cairo game. I had six tackles and a fumble recovery against them last Friday.
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Florida, Alabama, and LSU. I’ve been on the phone with a few of them.
The offer sheet keeps rising, how many do you have?
Eleven.
Which program was the first to offer?
Actually, I got Georgia and Georgia Tech at the same time.
That’s cool. Which programs have been the last couple to offer?
The last couple were Mississippi State, Miami and Florida State.
Harris’ Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Maryland, Miami, Mississippi State, Penn State, South Carolina, and Tennessee
When visits resume in 2021, which schools would you like to go see in-person?
Florida State, Georgia, Miami, and then UF (Florida). FSU is No. 1 to go see. I want to see those three and Georgia. If possible, I’d like to go to all the schools that have offered.
The Yellowjackets get to close the season out with home games against Bainbridge and Dougherty. What do you guys have to do to win both to close out the season strong ahead of the playoffs?
It is all about executing. We have to play our football, and everyone has to buy in. Bainbridge is coming in with that label. They think they can run the ball down our throats, but we have something for them. We will play to the best of our abilities. Against Dougherty, we have to buy in with them too. We have to play well all around to win these next two games.
You touched on this, but going deeper, what kind of game are you expecting from Bainbridge (5-3) on Friday?
I’m expecting a lot of running. That will be a good night for me if they choose to run it. Hopefully they will run to my side.
Gabe, it was great talking football with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you and the Yellowjackets success closing out the season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Harris family; Gabe Harris