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LSU, Alabama and Ohio State are the perceived top options for the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback Brandon Harris (Bossier City, La. Parkway) who will announce his decision Jul. 18. The commitment of Kyle Allen ruled out an early favorite in Texas A&M and the potential commitment of David Cornwell (Norman, Okla. Norman North) to Alabama would seem to rule the Crimson Tide out as well.
Harris visited Ohio State May. 31 after previous visits to Alabama and LSU and had a tremendous time visiting two-time Heisman winner Archie Griffin and Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer who can develop him into the next Braxton Miller. Currently, I maintain that LSU is the favorite to land the in-state product who undoubtedly will feel some pressure from his fellow Pelican State recruits to stay home where the Tigers could have the top recruiting class this season.
However, one option that has flown under the radar until recently and could be a sneaky destination for the 6-2.5, 200-pound signal-caller is Auburn. He would be a perfect fit in Gus Malzahn’s offense where Auburn has issues at the quarterback position with neither Kiehl Frazier nor Jonathan Wallace looking like fixtures at the position. Auburn did sign incoming freshman Jeremy Johnson who was Mr. Alabama in both football and basketball, but he doesn’t possess the same game-breaking ability and high ceiling of Harris.
Rhett Lashlee would love to get his top target on campus for visit that has yet to happen, but if that happens in the next four weeks, could be a sign of his interest in coming to The Plains. With the news of other LSU quarterback Deshone Kizer committing to Notre Dame as expected the pressure is on LSU to keep their prized pupil from leaving to a rival SEC west school.
Harris is one of the most polished, humble and talented recruits in the 2014 class and wherever he goes will be a coach’s dream and a fan favorite. I’m sticking with LSU as the team to land him, but don’t overlook Auburn who would hit an absolute home run if they can bring him into the fold.
Patrick’s a college football writer for Rant Sports and radio host on Sportstownchicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickASchmidt and add him to your Google network.
