Derrick Harris Jr. is a four-star outside linebacker in the class of 2021. Hailing from New Caney High School, just 170 miles from Austin, the Texas Longhorns have always been the childhood favorite team. Harris Jr. explains his love for the Longhorns, what he is looking for in a school, and his relationship with the Texas staff.
Derrick Harris Jr. is slowly becoming one of the most sought after defensive players in the class of 2021. After impressive camp performances in May and early June, Harris Jr. has received eight Division I offers.
Along with Texas, who extended Harris Jr.’s offer after an unofficial visit last weekend, the four-star is being courted by Baylor, Miami, Oklahoma State, SMU, Texas A&M, Tulsa, and Virginia Tech.
The 6-foot-2.5, 215 pound outside linebacker was District 9-5A-I Newcomer of the Year after a stellar sophomore season. He recorded 83 tackles, 4.5 sacks, six pass deflections, two interceptions once forced fumble, and a touchdown.
Harris Jr. averaged 7.5 tackles per game due to his explosiveness off the line. He also runs a 4.6 forty, and his speed and power in getting past opposing linemen, have a few programs seeing him as a hybrid edge rusher or defensive end.
Harris Jr. is listed as the No. 10 outside linebacker in the nation and the No. 25 player in the state of Texas per 247Sports.
Though the talented recruit is starting to gain attention from some of the top programs in the state, the Longhorns hold a special place in Harris Jr.’s heart.
“My favorite team has been Texas ever since it won the Rose Bowl (2006). I remember watching that game and becoming a Texas fan. I have loved Texas ever since.”
Receiving an offer from a childhood favorite team is momentous for a lot of recruits, and it was no different for Harris Jr. when he received his offer from the school he grew up cheering for.
“That moment was one I will always remember. I had been offered by my dream school.”
Harris Jr. took an unofficial visit to Texas last weekend and Austin and the Longhorns’ staff did not disappoint. The young recruit says two things, impressed him the most on his trip.
“How coach Todd Orlando is to be around and how Austin is as a city, is what stood out to me the most.”
Just because he was a Texas fan growing up, does not mean his mind is already set on where he will be playing his college ball. Harris Jr. shared the three things he is looking at in a school and program.
“How the coaches are, what the school is like, and the surrounding city.”
That being said, Texas seems to have notched all three of those things early in the young linebacker’s eyes.
Harris Jr. says he does not have anymore visits planned to Austin as of now, but says he definitely will get back to the Forty Acres soon.
