Interview: Another Dominating Season Awaits 4-Star 2022 Missouri RB Arlen Harris
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One might think that earning just about every honor possible, AAA & IAFO Player of Year, two-time first team All-Conference, two-time first team All-District, and Academic All-State and Honor Society along with four-star recruiting status, would be enough for Arlen Harris, but he is driven for more. Harris’ sophomore campaign was amazing rushing 168 times for 1,776 yards for a 10.2 yard per carry average and 32 touchdowns while hauling in seven passes for 41 yards, but all was done essentially on one ankle. An early season sprained ankle kept the Lutheran of St. Charles County from reaching his full potential, and 3A Missouri foes will pay the price in 2020.
In an RNG first-look, I sat down with the 20-offer St. Peters (MO) product for a detailed look at his offseason workouts with
Interview
Arlen, watching game footage on you, there is a passion and an energy you bring to the field that has to be consumed by your teammates. What gets you fired up on game night to play at such a high level?
“I would say it is knowing that I am playing for something bigger than myself. My main goal in life is to glorify God in all that I do. With him by my side, if he is with me, who can be against me. That gives me passion for the game and my teammates and coaches are there with me. To play for them, brings passion to the games. I give everything I have for them; it makes me want to go out there and do it all.”
What offensive set were the Cougars running last season?
“We were a two-back set. A combination of Spread and running downhill with my running back Rhoderick Gibson. We will spread it out more this year, in a zone and stretch attack.”
How was your offensive coordinator getting the rock into your hands a year ago?
“Leads and stretches, some zones too. They were trying to get me in space with my shoulders square going downfield.”
Your field vision sets you apart, and how you set up defenders to exploit the hole for extra yards is in a tier all itself. What are some of the other strengths to your game as a tailback?
“One of the strengths to my game, apart from my vision, is my knowledge. It is easy to avoid defenders and use your size and speed, but to outsmart defenders is a huge advantage. I can split two defenders, using their strengths against them to my strength. I can make one miss, knowing where they are at, and break the line of scrimmage for a long run. I know I will have to make them miss at the line of scrimmage.”
Let’s talk speed. You have the burst through the first 10 yards and then you have that extra gear once you get to the second level. What is the best-timed run you’ve posted?
“For track, for the football players, we did not time our runs. We practiced with the track team for conditioning. I am at a 4.58 with my 40 right now.”
Was there an aspect to your game that was not showcased fully last season?
“Definitely. My sophomore year, we kept it to ourselves but I had sprained my ankle early in the season. That was bad for me, but I made the choice to push through it and keep playing. The sprained ankle held back my speed. I had to use different skills against defenders. My speed was held back and decreased.”
Yeah, but that stiff-arm you developed in the process is nasty.
(Laughs) “Thank you.”
A minute ago, you touched on this, let’s go a little bit deeper into the new offense in 2020. What will this offense look like?
“We will spread it out more. We will be more of a zone stretch team. With the linemen we have, that will be our strength. That will be a big strength for us.”
Of course, you will be at running back, what other roles are you taking on for the Cougars in 2020?
“Last season a huge part was taken from me with my ankle. This season I will be at kick returner for sure and back playing some safety and corner. That will be about it. I am excited for those extra opportunities. Returning kicks gives me more opportunities to score.”
How have you been preparing for your junior campaign this spring and summer?
“Everyone has the goal of being bigger, faster, and stronger. I have put on weight this offseason, about 15 to 20 pounds; that is a biggie for me. And I am getting faster doing mobility and track workouts while strengthening my legs. When I make that one defender miss, with that breakaway speed I am out of there.”
Yes, you are. Turning to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“I am getting looks from South Carolina and Stanford.”
How many offers have been dropped?
“Twenty.”
Harris’ Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Ball State, Boston College, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, and Vanderbilt
Of the schools that have offered, which are showing the most interest?
“I’d say Iowa, Penn State, Michigan, Mizzou – they have been huge, and Florida.”
From January of this year, have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes, I have visited Kentucky and Missouri.”
How did the Missouri trip turn out?
“That was good. I always love Mizzou. One of my cousins played ball there, Yasir Durant; he was an offensive lineman there. He just graduated. Mizzou’s recruiting is big for the 2022 class around here. Coach (Eliah) Drinkwitz is big on recruiting the hometown players.”
Once things get going again, are there any planned trips?
“I am pretty sure I will go back to Iowa, Mizzou, and I am planning on visiting Penn State and Michigan as well, and probably even Florida.”
Be it this summer or this fall, what goals have you set for yourself going forward?
“That is a good question. For this summer, getting mentally stronger. One of my goals before the season, I want to break 200 pounds – that is a big one for me. There are some small weight lifting ones as well. For the season, yardage wise I want to break 2,000 this year. For TDs, I want to be above 40. I am reaching for the moon this year. This season I also want over 500 receiving this year as well, and the small accolades like All-State. I have a lot of goals in my mind for this season.”
Arlen, I had a lot of fun learning more about your talents on the field and your offseason preparation today. Thank you for your time and good luck with your summer workouts until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Lutheran St. Charles/Harris family; Arlen Harris at Missouri (Feb. 2020) and on the field (2019)