Interview: 2020 Oxnard RB Xavier Harris Talks Breakout 1,600-Yard Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Coming off a 4-6 season in 2017, Oxnard High School had a tremendous void to fill in the backfield with the graduation of Class of 2018 tailback Danny Smith. With Smith graduated and taking his 1,634 rush yards and 21 touchdowns to Boise State, the Yellowjackets had a problem. As blessings happen, when things look bleak promise arises. That promise of better days and more wins came to the team in the form of Xavier Harris.
Harris proved to be an elite talent, a guy just waiting his turn in the pecking order of head coach Jon Mack’s system. The 5-10, 180-pound, back took no prisoners leaving California defenders in his dust blowing past for 1,659 yards off 182 totes with 27 scores posted on the board. Proving he is a true all-purpose back, he secured 26 passes for 415 yards with five more trips into the end zone. When all was said and done, the Yellowjackets turned in an 11-3 campaign with Harris earning first team All-CIF and All-Conference honors, was second team All-County, and took home the Pacific View Back of the Year Award. All these talents are finally starting to catch the attention of college coaches.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s top overlooked talents gaining insight on his game with an overview on his recruiting.
Interview
Xavier, how did the 2018 season go for you personally on the field?
“It was good. All the attention was on Jaron Waters (3-star WR – Oregon). No one knew what I had. I came out and did my best and executed. I am looking forward to doing the same again with my fellow seniors this season.”
Going into the season, did you expect to have the kind of year that you did?
“Honestly, I surprised myself with all the rushing yards and touchdowns I had. After my sophomore year, everyone had big expectations for me with Danny Smith gone.”
What type of offense do you guys execute and how are you used within the offense?
“We ran a spread offense over the first few games, but then we went to a power formation. That is when I got most of my yards. When I hit that seem I am gone.”
Your talents as an all-purpose back and catching passes out of the backfield were showcased. How did that part of your game take off last season?
“My game improved a lot last season overall. When I was younger, I was a receiver, a corner, you name it I was all over the field bouncing around. I am able to do all types of things because of my athleticism. You can use me at any position and I will give you all that I have making something happen. Settling in at running back, I was able to also improve my vision and my explosion last season. My offensive line created holes for me. I saw the holes and I took it. They did that for me all season long.”
Which game was your best last season and why do you consider that to be your best?
“My best game was probably against Ventura or West Ranch. The West Ranch game, that was a dog fight. I think I had 229 rushing yards on 13 or 14 carries with two touchdowns. I was racking up yards every time I got the ball. They were not expecting it from me because they had a seven-man box. But we kept pounding it.”
What do you feel are the strengths to your game?
“I can catch the ball out of the backfield, explode through the hole, cut-back, I can read, I can juke and I can run through you and past you. I can do what a lot of running backs cannot do; I can do it all. Some running backs are just power backs. I am more like Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints). I am underestimated because of my size.”
Which areas are you focused on improving this offseason?
“I am focused on strength and adding more speed.”
Have you competed at any camps this spring?
“After the season I went to the U.S. Army All-American Combine (San Antonio) and to a Cal-Lutheran camp. I attended two other camps after that and I have been working out with Lorenzo Booker.”
Given the season you had, which schools are now showing interest in you?
“I am receiving interest from Yale, Utah, Cal-Poly, San Diego State, Wyoming, Rice, UNLV, Fresno State, and Arizona State.”
Nice. Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes. I have visited Cal-Poly.”
Do you have any planned visits this summer?
“I am possibly going to San Diego State and UNLV this summer.”
Last question for you. What type of student-athlete is Xavier Harris?
“I am the type who brings 110 percent effort on and off the field. I am not trying to be cocky, but I am the type of guy you want your daughter to marry. I am cool to be around, I have manners, I am respectful, and I come from a long line of athletes in my family. I am fun-loving and a very caring guy. I love to do what I do. But when I am on that field, I am a different person. With sports I am very competitive.”
I love it. Xavier, it was fantastic covering your game and recruiting today. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Jace Kessler; No. 11 Xavier Harris in action
Photo credit: Harris family; Xavier Harris at Cal-Poly