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North Shore's Harris talks visits, injury, Chick-Fil-A, trash talking
North Shore's Denver Harris is considered the No. 2 overall prospect in the talent-rich State of Texas… as a cornerback.
A corner?
The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder was the Defensive MVP for District 21-6A as a corner? That never happens. It's usually at DE or LB or safety, but a corner?
Harris is a freaky athlete. Yes, he had an ACL injury during the State Semis against eventual Class 6A champ Westlake, but even his rehab is super-natural.
He will take official visits to LSU, Texas, Texas A&M, and Alabama in June. He's all business, but you have to be at North Shore.
I caught up with the National Recruit to see what makes this guy tick.
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VYPE: What do you do outside of football?
HARRIS: "I enjoy kickin' it with my friends and family. Hanging out by the pool, watching sports, and just chilling really. I enjoy fashion, music, hooping, go-karting, paint-balling, anything that brings out my competitive nature.
"People don't know that I like to binge-watch shows and eat Chick-Fil-A almost every day, NO CAP! Outside of football, I love basketball."
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VYPE: What are you doing this summer? Camps? Combines?
HARRIS: "I will be visiting my 'Top Four'. I recently had ACL surgery after the season so I will also be working on rehabbing and fully regaining my strength, flexibility, and agility. I'm definitely training to get ready for next season and college too. I'll be graduating in December and obtaining my driver's license this summer."
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VYPE: What do you need to work on this summer?
HARRIS: "Getting my weight up, continuing to perfect my craft, studying for my ACT's, and just training to reach my full potential."
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VYPE: Most memorable moment so far at North Shore?
HARRIS: "Wow, so many to choose from but winning the state title has got to be one of the most memorable moments. Not many people have had a chance to win or even compete for a state title, so I'm truly blessed."
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VYPE: You dropped your Final Four. What is it about those schools?
HARRIS: "I have been blessed to have been recruited by most of the top programs in the nation but I chose A&M, UT, Alabama, and LSU because they are all-around great schools. It's not just in football but academics and school spirit as well."
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VYPE: What college teams or pro players did you grow up watching? Any role models, and who do you try to model your game around the most?
HARRIS: "I watch and study tons of athletes but LeBron James and Kobe Bryant stick out most. Both are the true definition of leaders on and off the court. Their work ethic and will to win are unmatched. They've never been afraid to face adversity, take risks, and never listened to outside opinions.
"I try to take a little something from all the players I watch but Jalen Ramsey and Deion Sanders are definitely the most influential on my game. From the swag, the confidence, physicality, to the amount of respect they demand from opponents. It just makes for a great recipe for what you want in a lockdown corner! Not to mention the trash talk! I want the receiver I'm guarding to know from the moment he walks on the field that 'it's gonna be a long night'."
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VYPE: What's it like being part of such a historic program and playing a major part in it?
HARRIS: Honestly, I couldn't have chosen a better program. We've dominated the last few seasons and I'm just blessed and grateful to have been a part of it. I'm thankful for the coaches who've helped me along the way and my teammates as well. I could not have imagined being anywhere else.
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VYPE: Finally... What would your freshman self, tell your senior self?
HARRIS: "Your biggest competition and critic is going to be yourself."
From Klein Collins to Alabama, Svoboda is testament to quality of H-Town Coaches
"What's up scoop?" a booming voice would call out every time I entered the Klein Collins' field house.
Drew Svoboda loved to talk Houston high school football, recruiting, and life in general when I'd pull up in his office. He and his lead assistant loved to razz me about being obsessed with North Shore, Katy, or The Woodlands. Just, pure hazing.
That assistant is now College Park head coach Lonnie Madison.
Madison was the first I texted when I began hearing the rumblings about Svoboda becoming the Special Teams coach for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
"I gotta call you back, I'm interviewing with Ohio State," Madison texted tongue-in-cheek.
Svoboda left Klein Collins (93-24 record), where he built a Houston super-power, for the college game with Rice. He was with the Owls for three seasons and special teams became the strength of the team.
He was then hired by Memphis in January to take over the coordinator job for the Tigers.
As luck would have it, Jay Graham was hired by Alabama months ago and had to resign -- right place, right time, right opportunity. Now, Svoboda slides in to learn from the best – Nick Saban.
That's a long way from Oak Ridge High School where we first met.
"I've worked with Drew a long time and I'm not surprised with the success he's had in college," Madison said. "He's the best coach I know."
Former Klein Oak head coach Jason Glenn and new Director of Student Outreach coached against Svoboda and played for Nick Saban when he was with the Miami Dolphins.
"Drew is an amazing coach and as someone that played under Nick Saban, he will fit in great with the culture and expectations that have been established at Alabama," Glenn said. "I'm happy for him."
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Other Coaches Weigh In…
Jon Kay of North Shore
"Drew Svoboda on staff at Alabama is testament to the quality of coaching at the high school level in Texas, and more specifically the Houston area. His seamless transition and meteoric rise is really no surprise to anyone who knows Drew. I think college and NFL teams get stuck recycling coaches over and over and I credit Mike Bloomgren at Rice, along with other coaches who have dipped into the high school ranks when building their staff, for recognizing coaching talent and giving Drew the opportunity he deserved. We certainly look forward to working with Drew as he recruits the Houston area for years to come.
"The importance of athletics in the state of Texas develops coaches, who can transition to the next level easier. Texas high school coaches are fluent in the "24-7-365" nature of the college game because of athletic periods and summer conditioning rules. Obviously, this state is a hot-bed for recruits and it's always good to have a guy on staff with connections in the state. All of that coupled with the fact that Texas is one of the few states that play by NCAA rules. These coaches develop an eye for the game (without using video) that have bred them to make the in-game adjustments necessary at the college level."
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James Clancy, Klein Cain coach
Greater Houston Football Coaches Association, President
"I am very proud and happy for Coach Svoboda and it is no surprise that he has risen quickly in the college ranks. It is a great representation of not only the quality of high school coaching in the Greater Houston area but the state of Texas."