Interview: Prolific 4-Star 2022 Missouri RB Arlen Harris Updates Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are great reasons why Class of 2022 running back Arlen Harris Jr. is listed as a four-star recruit. Harris produced 1,776 reasons on the ground off 168 examples with 32 more proof positive results in the end zone a year ago against Missouri 3A competition. Working on becoming that every down back, he hauled in seven passes for 41 more yards on the way to earning seemingly every honor possible including Academic All-State. The Lutheran of St. Charles County standout is a highly prized recruit across the country with offers rolling in from the Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and Pac-12. All that talent and athleticism will be featured in yet another way throughout the 2020 season adding free safety to his resume.
In an RNG update interview, Harris takes a break two games into the 2020 season to update us on his progress thus far and recruiting.
*Click link for June 29 RNG interview with Arlen Harris Jr.
Interview
Arlen, the Cougars have started the season off with a 1-1 record. The season opening loss came against a good Helias (2-0) squad and then you guys got right so to speak taking down Fort Zumwalt West 30-11. From Game 1 to Game 2, what adjustments did you guys make as a team to fix the little mistakes for the win?
It was a mental change. Our first game was against a great team. Usually you get to warm up before playing a team like that. We wanted that challenge. They had more guys than us and they were the favorites to win, but I am glad we played them. It was a tough game. I am proud of my guys for fighting through a 6A team like Helias. After that game, we made the transition with a chip on our shoulder from the loss. We went into Game 2 knowing that we did not pull it out. We wanted to get back on top and get back into the groove.
How has the season started off for you?
It has started great. Your junior year is supposed to be a big one, and that is for any junior. It has been decent. I am glad I got to play Helias. They put a lot in the box, so we went to the pass. Our receivers had a heck of a game. With my ankle, I was able to transition to play defense too after only playing one side of the ball last season. My football IQ is on the rise; I am smarter playing both ways. I can use playing both sides to outsmart the other side.
The Cougars attack in different ways within the Spread, what are some of the ways you are getting the rock early this season?
We are doing an I-formation, a near and far, powers, zones and downhill leads. Helias was not giving that up, so we went to the Spread. That is good for us. We can put a slot back there. I can go to the slot and run the route tree and get screens. I love it.
After all the hard work put into your game over the offseason, where are you seeing the improvements already?
I see my improvement in getting closer to being a complete back. During my freshman year, it was speed and some size. During my sophomore year, it was speed and size. I got bigger and I was getting shiftier with my moves. I could split you in half or use my speed to get past the defender. This season, I feel that I am more complete as a back. I am a receiving threat running routes and my blocking, that is big for me. I can cover a linebacker up and protect my quarterback.
With the two games under your belt, what are some of the areas you will continue to work on in practice to build that part of what you do?
Seeing those two games, this season is mental. This season is a big mental thing for all of us. We are going in with a great attitude. In those first two games, we were feeling everything out and knocking the rust out. We did not have a jamboree to do that. We were getting back into the groove. Game 2 was big for me. In Game 1, I got to see what it looks like against a really good team. I am excited for the rest of the season.
On defense, you were planning on playing some corner and safety. How is that going?
On defense, I am at free safety right now. It is great for me. I look at it another opportunity to get the ball in my hands, get some strips and some picks to help out the defense. Playing both ways keeps me active in the game and I can help the team as much as I can. I can cover well. With defense, it is helping me analyzing the offense. When it is my time on offense, I can use those points to outsmart the defender.
What defensive scheme are you guys executing?
We are a 3-down team now, but what we run depends on the team.
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest as the season heats up?
Some of the schools showing interest are Memphis, South Carolina, Notre Dame, I am receiving mail from Alabama, Arizona is a big one as well, Northwestern, Cal, and Florida State.
I know this is a high number, how many offers do you have?
I think it is at 23 or 24.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
West Virginia, Stanford, and Arkansas.
Harris’ Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Ball State, Boston College, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn State, Purdue, Stanford, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia
This summer, did you get to take any virtual visits?
Yes, sir. I did one with Mizzou and Stanford. There was another one but it was not exactly a virtual visit, it was a Zoom visit with Penn State.
If the campuses were opened back up next week, are there any visits you’d like to take or any that you may have planned there is just no date set yet?
Definitely. I’d like to visit Stanford, Penn State, and Michigan. I can see myself going back up to Iowa, Florida, and probably Mizzou.
Arlen, it was once again a lot of fun getting an update in with you. Thanks for your time and good luck with the season until we talk again.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Harris family; Arlen Harris Penn State edit