UGA edge commit visits Auburn
AUBURN | Gabriel Harris committed to Georgia in April, but was in Auburn this weekend for an official visit.
Do the Tigers have a shot for the Rivals100 defensive end from Valdosta (Ga.) High?
“I’ll get back to you on that,” said Harris, who plans to wait until the early Signing Day on Dec. 21 to announce a final decision.
Auburn clearly make a favorable impression, however.
“I like Auburn. I’ll say it like that,” said Harris. “It’s just Georgia and Auburn right now.”
Harris, 6-foot-4 and 254 pounds, mentioned Auburn’s family atmosphere and coaching staff as two of the most memorable parts of his visit.
“It was a great visit. I enjoyed everybody and the coaching staff,” he said. “They treat everybody like family around here. That stood out to me too. It’s just a whole big family out there.
“I really communicated with Coach Roc and Coach Harsin. The head coach, had a good conversation with him about how I would fit if I was to go to this school.
"Coach Roc is a good coach. He’s real, I’m gonna put it like that. It’s real. That’s just how he is, and the players have been telling me that that’s just how he is.”
Auburn is recruiting Harris as an edge and emphasized its lack of depth at the position going into next season with Derrick Hall, Eku Leota and now transfer Marcus Bragg all seniors.
The only other scholarship edge is redshirt freshman Dylan Brooks, who has yet to play a college snap.
“Everybody’s going to be leaving and that’s an opportunity for me to play if I were to come in,” he said. “Playing time or getting the opportunity to get on the field field early. It’s all about opportunity. That’s it.”
Harris went on his first official visit to Georgia June 3.
“Georgia, that’s where I’m from. It’s the home feeling,” he said. “Kirby Smart is a good coach. Coach (Chidera Uzo)-Diribe, that’s my guy. I talk to him everyday. It’s big on relationships and communication.”
He plans to return to Auburn for the opening game against Mercer on Sept. 3. One of his former teammates plays for the Bears.
Harris is rated the nation’s No. 58 overall prospect and No. 6 strongside end by Rivals.