Interview: 4-Star 2020 Arizona DE Jason Harris Updates Season and Top 6
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In football, it takes a team to win but in today’s college football it takes defensive linemen who can get into the backfield for that opportunity to win games. College football programs across the country have identified Higley High School defensive end Jason Harris as that guy who can help teams win games. The 6-7, 225-pound, edge rusher is a sack master proving his talents against 5A competition compiling a seven-game 2019 stat line of 40 stops, 26 tackles for a loss, 17 sacks, and a fumble recovery. The four-star recruit has earned 22 scholarship offers the hard way, but as of July 21 narrowed down his sphere of recruiting influence to six schools: Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon, Texas A&M, and UCLA.
With his Knights program sitting at 7-2 riding a seven-game winning streak with one regular season contest left against Williams Field, and six very interested schools watching intently, I sat down with Harris for an in-depth conversation.
Interview
Jason, the team has been rolling over the last six games racking up the victories. What have you guys been doing collectively to post all the wins?
“We have been watching film, bonding, and coming to work every day at practice.”
How has the defense looked during the win streak?
“We are looking really good. We got nice inside guys and linebackers. We should make a deep run into the playoffs.”
What set are you running on defense?
“A 4-4 set.”
Where are you lining up and what are your responsibilities?
“Mainly on the edge. I am coming off the edge and getting to the QB.”
You have a few moves you are using, one that I really like that you seem to have down, which is not easy, the push-pull. What other moves are you using to get to the QB?
“I’m doing that, double arm swipe, and the stab. You only need two or three moves, but I have a lot. I am also doing the cross chop and forklift – it all depends on the lineman I am going against.”
How is your game improving this season?
“The use of my hands is the biggest thing. My get off and ability to read the offense has improved a lot.”
What do you feel separates you from other defensive ends?
“My length and my get off.”
At the snap of the ball, what kind of blocking schemes are you fighting through to make plays?
“They try to chip me with a running back.”
If we were to go to game film to see the best of you in action this season, which game would we be watching?
“The Millennium (Goodyear) game. I was getting to the QB a lot in that one.”
Being a senior, recruiting is a big deal – obviously. You have posted your Top 6 of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon, Texas A&M, and UCLA. Are those six still in play?
“Yes, sir.”
How many total offers have you earned?
“I have 22 offers.”
Harris’ Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Memphis, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, Purdue, Syracuse, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UCLA, USC, and Utah
Even though you have your Top 6 out there, are any teams trying to get in there?
“No one else is trying to talk me now outside of my Top 6.”
Which schools have hosted you on official visits so far?
“Arizona and Texas A&M.”
How did the Arizona visit go?
“It went well. I hung out with the coaches and my brother (Jalen Harris).”
And Texas A&M, tell me about that one?
“It went well. The atmosphere is crazy there. Kyle Field, the 12th Man is real there. I felt that part of the atmosphere – it was very loud. It is a perfect place to play as a pass rusher.”
Two down, three to go. Which school has your next planned official?
“Colorado does on Nov. 9.”
Do you plan to take all five of your visits?
“Yes, sir. The others are not set yet.”
Have you started to narrow down a commitment date?
“Sometime in December I plan on committing.”
What does the ideal fit look like for you?
“The ideal fit is a place where I can grow as a player and as a person both academically and on the field. I am looking for people that will help me achieve my goals.”
Perfect. Jason, it was a lot of fun chopping it up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you and the team success going through the playoffs.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Harris family; Jason Harris at Texas A&M