Offseason and Recruiting Update Interview with 3-Star 2019 Arkansas OL Elliot Harris
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Size, speed, strength, and a mauler’s mentality at the point of contact – just a few of the many positive traits about Elliot Harris on the gridiron. When the ball was snapped for Robinson High School in 2017, Harris was an anchor on the line manning the left tackle spot for the Senators. The Little Rock area program was one of the best in Arkansas in 2017 running a record of 13-1 before a tough 35-28 overtime loss to Warren in the 4A semifinal round. The blocking abilities of Harris helped the Senators average 38 points per contest earning three-star recruiting status along the way. Offers have been handed out by Missouri State and Texas State with a bevy of regional Division-I interest coming in from Arkansas, Arkansas State, TCU, SMU, Louisiana-Monroe, Memphis and Baylor.
On Sunday, I got to see the 6-3, 318-pound, Class of 2019 recruit in person at the Dallas Nike Opening Regional. After the camp, we met for a quick interview covering his junior season, offseason workouts, and recruitment.
Interview
Elliot, you have some great plays on your reel. I must ask, on the scramble play of your quarterback Greyson Tackett, you showed some speed on that play. Did you tease Greyson about beating him in a footrace after that?
(Laughs) “No. My guys, they know to run with me. They know I am not slow and I will block downfield.”
You lined up at left tackle during your junior season but the coaches used your skills in a myriad of ways. If you will, describe all the blocking assignments you have with the Senators.
“Pass blocking – coaches say I have the best pass block on the line, run game – best at down blocking, and we pull – coaches say I pull well too. Playing basketball helps me out with my footwork on the field.”
Your reel is full of big blocks, did you track knockdown or pancake blocks last season?
“Yes, sir. I did, but I can’t remember how many I had.”
Which aspects of your pass-set and run block are your best?
“My kick-step on my pass block is good. On running plays, I like coming down hard on the down block.”
Which areas of your game are you working on this offseason?
“My hands and my speed. I am also working on my pad level. I feel my pad level is okay, but I know I need to get a little lower.”
Have you maxed out this spring in the weight room?
“At the beginning of the offseason I maxed out. My bench then was 295, my squat was 415, and my hand-clean was 305.”
You tested out in the Top 5 among offensive linemen at the Dallas Nike Regional, during the one-on-ones what else did you to separate yourself from the others?
“My footwork, staying low, and the timing of my hand punches.”
Do you have any other upcoming camps you may attend this summer?
“I am planning on attending camps at Memphis, Texas State, Southeast Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana Tech.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered you yet?
“Arkansas, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, TCU, Arkansas State, SMU, Louisiana-Monroe, and Baylor are all showing interest.”
Which schools have offered you?
“Missouri State, Southeast Missouri, Tennessee-Martin, and Texas State.”
Which schools have you visited so far?
“Arkansas and Memphis.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“Texas State, Missouri State, UT-Martin and SEMO.”
What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?
“They really like the way I move, they like that I am athletic, they like my footwork, and they think I can really help them.”
Which position are you being recruited to play?
“They see me as a guard.”
Looking ahead. The Senators are jumping up a couple of classifications for the first two games of the 2018 season to take on Springdale and Rogers. Silly question, but are you pumped for those two games?
“Oh yeah. No doubt. I can’t wait.”
When do you guys start spring ball?
“We start on Monday.”
What goals have you set for spring practices?
“My goals are to finish every practice going 100 percent. I tend to pace myself. For my senior year, I want to have fun but go full-tilt with everything I do.”
Elliot, thanks for your time today and good luck with all your spring practices.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Elliot Harris