Missouri has had a successful season on the field this year. That success has led them on a recruiting surge that has netted top prospects like Jayson Palmgren, Chris Earnhardt, Rolandis Woodland, Michael Keck and Derrick Washington over the last three months.
Army All-American Ian Harris, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound tight end from Churchill High in San Antonio, Texas made a verbal commitment to play for the Nebraska Cornhuskers way back in June, but he felt more comfortable at a different school and belived it was necessary for him to make a switch.
“I committed to Missouri after my official visit,” Harris began. “The communication with the coaches was a big factor. I just felt like I did not have that communication with the coaches at Nebraska.”
Harris is also impressed with the way the Tigers employ the tight end within their offensive schemes.
“They use the tight end very effectively,” he said. “They have two tight ends on the field at one time because of the success they have had in the offense. I think it is an offense that is beginning to evolve, similar to what Texas Tech has done. I think it will grow in to something really special.”
Harris would like to pursue a career in journalism after his football career is over, and that is another thing that stacked the deck in favor of Missouri.
“I think they have the No. 1 journalism school in America,” Harris explained. “They let you have your own NBC internship after you graduate.”
The Missouri coaching staff has traditionally done a tremendous job of recruiting in the “Lone Star State” and that is another thing that came in to play for Harris.
“I think they have 26 players from Texas on their roster right now,” Harris said of the infusion of Texas talent. “It made me really feel at home.”
As a junior, Harris racked up 24 passes for 275 yards and six touchdowns earning All-District honors for his efforts.