Interview: Recruiting Interest Set to Take off for Sierra Canyon 2017 QB Niko Harris

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There are few quarterbacks in the 2017 recruiting class that can got tit-for-tat with the stat line Niko Harris put up for Sierra Canyon High School during the 2015 season. Harris passed for 3,260 yards with 47 touchdowns against just six interceptions while sporting a 66 percent completion percentage. Harris did one other thing for his Chatsworth squad, helped guide them to a California High School state championship game appearance before losing a 36-35 heartbreaker to San Marino.

The confusion on Harris’ recruiting efforts are soon to be put to rest, especially with the all-too important offseason camp circuit about to begin. Not only is Harris prolific in the pocket, but he is also a dual-threat running for 290 yards on 45 carries with another four scores as a junior. Perhaps the one knock college coaches may have had on Harris was his overall size, but not anymore. Harris has grown from a roughly 5’10”, 180-ish pound, quarterback to a prototypical college sized gunslinger at 6’2”, 190 pounds.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Harris to go over his junior season, his offseason workouts and camp schedule, and received a recruiting news update.

Interview                          

Niko, first, congratulations on a great junior season last year.

“Thank you.”

You posted a monster stat line. Looking back, overall were you pleased with how you played during the 2015 season?

“I was happy with last year and the way I performed. I have to give a shout out to my linemen and running backs allowing me to get the ball out to my receivers.”

What are you working on in the offseason to improve upon before your senior year begins?

“I’m working on improving my accuracy. You can never get too good at reading defenses. I’ve been working on that and knowing where I’m going with the ball pre-snap.”

You had some strong running numbers averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Would you describe yourself as a quarterback who can run or a dual-threat quarterback?

“I’m a dual-threat for sure.”

You’re losing a couple of Class of 2016 receivers off the team. Who will be the next big playmaker on the outside for you next season?

“I’d have to say Dylan Tait (Class of 2017). He’s coming back next year, He’s getting bigger, stronger, and faster. He will be a weapon next year. Also, Sam Shadorf at tight end. We will have to have a good connection next year. He’ll be a big weapon as well.”

Which camps are you going to coming up?

“I’m going to the Elite 11 camp this weekend in LA. I want to go to some college camps but I have to get more organized on that coming up.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“I’m talking to Washington, Yale, Dartmouth, and Boise State right now.”

Do you have any unofficial visits set up for the offseason?

“Not right now. I’m thinking about attending some Junior Day events but not sure which ones yet.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“School is going good. I ended last semester with a 3.6. All my work is turned in, nothing too bad with all of my classes.”

Niko, thanks for your time today and good luck at the Elite 11 camp.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: sierracanyonschool.org; No. 19 Niko Harris airs out a pass during practice.

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Niko Harris before a Sierra Canyon practice.