Former UTSA QB Manny Harris Brings Wealth of Talent and Experience to Cisco JUCO
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Each season the recruiting process for various teams brings different needs in the pocket. Some teams are searching for that young player to groom into the mold of the system over the next four to five years while other teams need an instant impact player ready to compete for a starting job. When college scouts make the rounds scouring the U.S. for impact quarterbacks to bring into the fold as part of the 2018 class, former Texas-San Antonio field general Manny Harris fits the bill across the board.
While in high school, Harris was as good as any slinging the ball around the yard. During his junior campaign in 2013, he completed 280-of-454 passes (62 percent) for over 4,000 yards with 41 scores posted on the board. The dual-threat added another 503 yards on the ground with seven more trips to the end zone en-route to All-State and District 8-5A co-MVP honors. His senior season in 2014, Harris suffered a small setback in the stat column due to a knee injury but despite missing four games, he still threw for 2,097 yards with 17 touchdowns completing 61 percent of his attempts earning first team All-District 12-6A honors for Copperas Cove High School.
Harris, rated as a three-star (247Sports), signed with Texas-San Antonio out of high school. Larry Coker recruited Harris to be the next Roadrunner talent in the huddle but after the former Miami Hurricanes head coach resigned in early January 2016, the program then went a different direction under new head coach Frank Wilson. Harris kept working hard on the field and in the classroom where he is actually a senior. After redshirting during his freshman year in 2015 and competing for a spot in the rotation in 2016, Harris transferred out of the Roadrunners program this summer landing at Cisco.
With another season to prove his talent and abilities on the field, I sat down with the newest and hottest quarterback recruit in the 2018 class out of the junior college ranks covering his time in San Antonio with the Roadrunners and his transfer to the Wranglers.
Interview
Manny, you filled up the stat sheet in high school slinging the ball around the yard. How did your junior and senior seasons go on the field?
“During my junior year, I led the state in passing yards. We had the No. 1 offense in the state passing wise. We were slinging it around every game. I was ready for big senior season but I hurt my knee against Lake Travis. I missed four games because of the injury. That hurt me during my senior year. That is why my rushing yards were down that year.”
You are healthy now with no problems?
“Oh yeah. I am good now.”
Out of high school, what led you to sign with UTSA?
“I really did like Coach Coker. He is a great guy. I felt like UTSA was a home away from home with a great atmosphere. I liked the staff that recruited me. I felt like I had a good opportunity there.”
You had a redshirt season and your freshman season at UTSA, the time spent with the Roadrunners is extremely valuable. How did your physical tools in the pocket improve with UTSA?
“They improved tremendously. I spent a lot of time with Coach (Frank) Scelfo, he is the offensive coordinator there now. He taught me so much about being a quarterback. It is night and day for me from when I was coming out of high school. I learned a lot about football and expanded my football IQ. I was game ready each week while with UTSA. I was getting a lot of reps in practice. I would still be there but they brought in a grad transfer.”
How did your knowledge of the game improve during those two seasons?
“I learned so much about the game. A lot of QBs do not know protections, I learned all that stuff. The different blitzes, coverages, disguising of coverages, and different fronts.”
How has your transfer from UTSA to Cisco gone?
“It is all working out well now. My transfer to Cisco has gone well.”
When did you officially transfer?
“I left UTSA last Saturday (Aug. 19). I was originally headed to East Mississippi but I got here on Wednesday (Aug. 23).”
What strengths are you bringing to the pocket for Cisco this season?
“I think I am bringing a winning mentality. I have been to the D-I level, I know what it takes to play at a high level. I am pushing guys to finish plays strong and give max effort on every play. I am trying to push that into their head for our games. I’m giving little tips on things they should do to get to the D-I level while trying to bring leadership to the team. I want to win this year. I will do whatever I can do to help us win.”
How has fall camp gone?
“I have been here for a week now, but it has been pretty good. I am positioning myself with the team as a leader. Everything is going good. I have to do my part to help us win.”
What type of offense will you execute with the Wranglers?
“We run a Spread with a lot of 10 and 11 personnel.”
How have you worked with your receivers to develop that needed chemistry on the field?
“The first few days were rocky, but I am seeing a progression. It was a lot different at UTSA. We have more speed guys at Cisco. It is a whole new group of guys to work with and get a new feel for where they want the ball. We are working hard on getting our timing down.”
What goals have you set for your sophomore season?
“Play hard and do my part. I want to win. I don’t want to lose this season.”
What is your outlook on the season?
“I am ready to play again. I am thankful for the opportunity the coaches at Cisco are giving me. I’m just truly thankful for the opportunity and want to do my best to bring home a winner this year.”
Manny, thanks for your time today and good luck with the season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: Jeff Huehn; No. 12 Manny Harris at UTSA