Interview: 4-Star 2022 Mississippi DT/NG Zxavian Harris is an SEC Magnet on Recruiting Trail
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When an offensive coordinator is dedicating two and three guys to block one defender, there is good reason. As soon as Zxavian Harris steps off the bus and onto the field, people notice. Once the pigskin is in the center’s hands and No. 51 gets into a three-point stance, everyone in the stands, press box, and on both sidelines are ready to watch Harris dominate 6A Mississippi squads.
Being gifted with size is not enough to be great in the high school ranks. Speed, power, and heart, especially in the trenches, is a must – and Harris has it all. The now 6-7, 330-pound, nose guard was bullish against opposing teams in 2019 racking up 62 tackles with 17 quarterback hurries, 8.5 sacks, and blocked a punt and kick. The effort put forth with Germantown High School earned him another All-Region accolade and four-star recruiting status.
With all of Harris’ giftings, college football programs have come calling. Thus far nine programs want Harris to be a game changer in their program with a heavy lean coming from SEC programs.
In an RNG stylized Q&A, Harris catches us up on all that he is doing on the field with insight on what is going on along the recruiting trail.
Interview
Zxavian, being as big and as talented as you are playing the nose against 6A offenses in the Mavericks’ 3-4 cannot be easy. How did teams try to attack you or limit your impact on games last season?
A lot of high-low going for my knees. Mostly triple-teaming me and double-teaming me.
The challenges that came with all that you do, especially cheap shots like chop blocks one can easily see on your game footage, how did your overall game improve last season?
It improved a lot, especially rushing the passer; that improved a lot.
When you went into the offseason, what were the technical areas you focused on the most for the 2020 campaign?
Working on my hands, using my arms, and my footwork.
How did you add more strength and power to your skillset over the spring and summer months?
We barely went to the weight room with the virus. Most of my workouts were going outside working on agility. I did a lot of push-ups, sit-ups, and no weight squats.
What style of defense will the Mavericks run in 2020?
A three-man front and then we will switch to a 4-3.
Where all will you line up on the field in 2020?
At nose guard.
What will be your role in the 4-3?
We will run a one-three and five-seven and switch around from there.
When did the Mavericks start fall camp?
Last Monday.
How is the team looking?
Pretty good. Better than last year.
For you, where are you already showing improvements in your abilities?
In my conditioning and agility.
What goals have you set for the upcoming season?
To put my team first and win a championship.
The Mavericks kick of the season against Canton on the road. What kind of game are you guys expecting from the Tigers?
Same thing as last year, tempo and a fast-paced game.
Are there any other games you are excited to play this season?
Yes, I am excited to play Madison Central
Let’s close covering your recruiting. How many offers do you have?
Nine.
Harris’ Offer Sheet: Auburn, Florida State, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Tennessee
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
South Carolina was the last to offer.
Are there any programs showing interest but have not offered yet?
Georgia is the only program showing interest that has not offered.
Going back to last season, did you get any unofficial visits in before the dead period began in March?
Yes, I took one to Ole Miss and Mississippi State.
During your Ole Miss visit, what did you see and do?
We walked around campus and learned about the academics
What about during the MSU visit?
We did the same thing, we walked around campus, learned about the academics, and went on the field.
Once visits are allowed again, are there any programs you are ready to see?
Yes, I want to visit Nebraska, LSU, and Kansas.
Zxavian, I appreciate your time today covering your offseason workouts and recruiting. Wishing you and the team great luck this season.
Thank you.