Tigers In Good Shape With Harris

by TigerNet Staff - Mon Jul 11 00:42:47 GMT-04:00 2005

Xavier Harris - Wide Receiver
Height: 5-11 Weight: 170 Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL (Fort Lauderdale HS) Class: 2006

ESPN: NR

Under Rob Spence, Clemson will change its recruiting philosophy slightly. This offense does not emphasize the need for the 6-5, 6-4 receiver who can go up and get the deep ball. Spence uses the deep ball, but everything is set up with the throws underneath. Now you will see 5-11 to 6-2 wide receivers, who run really well in the open field.

Xavier Harris has been targeted as one of the top wide receivers for 2006. We currently list him as the #2 wide receiver target on the board. At 5-11 170 pounds, Harris is a terror in the open field.

"The idea is to not go down. If defenders cannot get a hand on me, then they cannot bring me down. My coaches have really helped me, and I have also learned a lot in the camps I have been to."

Speaking of his coaches, Harris plays for former Tiger Charles Hafley. Hafley was a standout safety under Tommy West and Tommy Bowden.

"Coach has been able to answer any questions about Clemson I have. He knew after I went to their camp that I really liked them a lot. He wants me to be happy, but I do not think I would hurt his feelings if I went to Clemson."

Harris was really impressed by the coaches at the Clemson camp, and it was likewise as the coaches were very impressed with him.

"I cannot imagine the Clemson camp going any better. I talked with Coach Blackwell. They asked me if I was ready to commit. I told them Clemson was where I wanted to go, but I was in no rush to make a decision. Clemson is still my favorite, but it is only July so I have time."

Recruiting coordinator David Blackwell has positioned himself very well early. He has three verbal commitments in the bag (Cumbie, Wade, Wilkerson), and he has three more prospects who are strong leans for Clemson (Richard Jackson, Kendrick Johnson, and Harris). Clemson will only sign 20-22 prospects this fall, and Blackwell may wind up with a large portion of the class.