Interview: Going on the Island with 3-Star 2020 Arizona CB/ATH Micah Harper
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are certain areas of the country where locking up the opposition’s top receiver week in and week out truly means something. One area of the country where this holds true is in Arizona’s Class 6A Premier league. During the 2018 season, when top teams like O’Connor, Red Mountain, Hamilton, Chandler, Brophy Prep, and Perry collided with Basha High School, the opposition knew Micah Harper was on the other side of the line ready to shutdown anything coming his way with the pass and the run.
Harper was able to showcase his talents for the Bears during his junior season proving to be an every down corner. He tallied 56 tackles, 26 solo, three tackles for a loss, three interceptions, had five passes broken up, and even blocked a field goal earning first team 6A All-Premier honors. If that is not impressive enough, the 5-11, 170-pound, athlete added his talents to the Bears’ offense part-way through the schedule rushing 30 times for 145 yards with three scores and pulled down 11 passes for 66 more all-purpose yards.
The play on the field has led to eight offers being extended: Air Force, Army, Dartmouth, Fordham, Montana State, Northern Arizona, Syracuse, and Yale. The Ivy League offers are not contingent on future classroom performances. Harper equally excels in the books carrying a 3.5 GPA with a 26 scored on the ACT.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Basha’s three-star Class of 2020 athlete getting an inside look at one of Arizona’s top talents.
Interview
Micah, you were a do-everything player for the Bears during the 2018 season. With all the responsibilities you took on in all three phases of the game, how did that help push your abilities as a leader forward?
“It made me rise up in tough situations. When we were down, I knew I needed to step up and lead the team to victory.”
How did you prepare for each game throughout the week?
“I normally played the left corner spot. I played to the strongside or to the quarterback’s arm strength or I would just cover their best receiver. I watched the player’s highlights to see who I am covering. I would pick up on the way he looks at the quarterback before each play, how he runs his routes, how he comes off, where he lines up, and where he breaks his routes.”
Which areas of your game took a big step forward on defense last season?
“Shutting people down. I got stronger from sophomore to junior year. My physicality improved. I have really good eyes and I read routes well. At the Under Armour Camp in LA, I had two picks. At the Rivals Camp, I had three interceptions and did not allow a pass caught on me.”
Impressive. What about on offense, how did your game improve?
“Last year was my first year playing varsity offense. I played because of an injury. My goal was to keep the offense going and to keep getting positive yards. Playing 7v7 helps me a lot. You can see the routes coming. You can see a bunch of crossing patterns, where they line up, and you can picture what they might run. If they are close, they will cross, stuff like that. Down and distance and situational football. It all helps my game on both sides of the ball.”
How would Micah the corner fair against Micah the receiver/athlete on offense? Who wins?
“Micah the corner.”
Which side of the ball and which position do you like playing most?
“I like playing corner.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on getting bigger, stronger, and faster. I want to help my team on offense this year. I want a bigger role on offense. I want to get more points and yards on offense this season.”
You mentioned attending a couple of camps this offseason, what is the fastest 40-yard dash you’ve posted?
“My fastest is a 4.64 laser-timed 40.”
Are you going to any more national camps upcoming?
“Yes. I am going to the Nike Opening Regional in Oakland.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have eight offers.”
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
“The last couple to offer were Montana State and Fordham.”
Nice. Which schools are showing interest?
“UCLA, Cal, Arizona, Stanford, Clemson and Columbia; Stanford and Columbia hit me up this morning (Monday).”
Which schools have you visited thus far?
“I just got back from Arizona. I have been to UCLA twice, USC, and San Diego State and I went to Notre Dame during the season for a game.”
How did the Arizona visit go?
“It went well. I saw one of their spring practices. Their defensive backs coach, Coach (Tony) White likes me a lot; we have a good connection. They are going to come back in spring to see me at school.”
What about UCLA, how did that go?
“They were nice visits. My first time was when I went to the Adidas camp and the second time was with my 7v7 team. We watched a practice the second time. Both visits went very well. I talked a lot to defensive backs coach, Coach (Paul) Rhodes. I like UCLA a lot. They have made highlight videos of me from camps and they write articles about me. That is pretty cool.”
What about Notre Dame? How did that go getting to visit South Bend for a game?
“They hit me up before the season, emailing my coach. They asked me to come out to a game. It worked out perfectly because it landed on our bye week. I went out there for the Stanford verses Notre Dame game. That was great because both schools were looking at me. My dad said we had to go to that game. I talked to Coach Todd Lyght (defensive backs) and we did the tours, three of them. We did an admissions, football, and a student life tour.”
Are you participating in any other varsity sports for Basha?
“I run track.”
Which events?
“I run the 100, 200, 4×1, and 4×2.”
What is the best time you’ve posted in the individual events?
“My first track meet was on Friday. I ran an 11.24 in the 100 and a 22.68 in 200.”
That is great for your first time. Getting out of the blocks and putting it all together is not easy.
“Thank you.”
Micah, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Harper family; Micah Harper at UCLA and Notre Dame