Harris makes it official
Gardena (Calif.) Serra defensive tackle Da'John Harris was the subject of the worst kept secret in recruiting.
At the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Ft. Lauderdale, Harris gave the announcement that many Trojans fans have been anticipating for months. Harris becomes no. 14 in USC's class of 2007.
Advertisement
"You know how I've got to do it," said Harris. "I'm going to the University of Southern California."
Sporting a Cardinal colored visor, barrowed from fellow USC commitment Jordan Campbell, Harris made the announcement surrounded by friends and family.
"My family is all from California, so I did want them to be able to come out and see me play.
"But really, there was no reason for me to leave Southern California when I know that's where the best football in the country is played."
USC's success on the gridiorn under Pete Carroll became the main factor in his recruitment.
"USC has great coaching staff, and they have the No. 1 defense in the NCAA," said Harris. "I want to be a part of that, and I want to win."
Harris is rated as the No. 3 defensive tackle in the nation, and the No. 33 best player overall. As a senior, he had nine sacks and 64 tackles on defense.
Offensively, Harris also stared for the Cavaliers, catching 19 passes for 304 yards and four touchdowns as a tight end.
While Harris has remained coy about his college decision for the past few weeks, his commitment to the Trojans was made official during his visit to USC Dec. 15.
"I actually knew I was going to be a Trojan the day they offered me a scholarship," said Harris. "I just wanted to make everyone sweat it out."
In June, Harris showed his value as a pass-rusher by dominating USC's Linemen Camp. At 6-foot-4, 270-pounds, Offense-Defense line coach Brooke Strafford sees Harris' potenial at the next level.
"Da'John is a phenomenal athlete," Stafford said. "There is a reason why he's rated where he's rated. But, all of the guys belong in this game because of their great athleticism."
Jeremy Crabtree of Rivals.com agrees with that assessment, rating Harris as the game's best defensive lineman during practices.
"He would have to rank right behind (Dez) Bryant as the West's most impressive and most consistent player this week," said Crabtree.
"He's been nothing short of spectacular all week long. He really disrupts blockers on almost every play, and he is able to use a number of different moves to get to the quarterback."
USCFootball.com will have more on Da'John Harris commitment to the Trojans late.