Advertisement
football Edit

BREAKING: Harris commits to Tennessee, talks 'vibe' with Vols

A week ago, Jatavious Harris admittedly didn't know much about Tennessee.

The Vols were firmly among the 3-star receiver’s leaders due to his relationship with coach Kevin Beard, but the Baldwin (Ga.) playmaker was eager to see exactly what all Rocky Top had to offer.

One visit was all she took.

Despite entering the weekend with South Carolina as his top school, Harris committed to Tennessee on Saturday following the Orange and White Game. He is the seventh commit in UT's 2018 class.

“I just had a great vibe from the start,” Harris told Volquest. “I just felt like it was a family. I have a great bond with coach Jones and coach Beard. They talk about more than just football. I feel like they’re going to better me as a man and an individual. We’re going to come together as a team.”

Harris didn't come to Knoxville with an intention to commit, but “the vibe was just strong,” adding, “It started as soon as I got here.”

When he came to his decision and informed the staff, Tennessee’s coaches went wild.

“All of them just hugged me like crazy,” he said.

Harris, who chose Tennessee over more than two dozen offers, toured the campus and facilities and spent a long time with Beard 1-on-1 in his office talking life, football concepts and how Tennessee plans to use the 6-foot-3, 185-pound receiver.

“We spent an hour in his office. He was showing me film in stuff, we were talking about life in general and all the things I’ll be going through in life and how I’m going to have to handle them,” Harris said.

“He said he’s ready. He said I’m a big, tall, speedy receiver. Harris was a dynamic athlete for Baldwin as a junior, returning kicks and punts and also starring as a receiver and instinctive defensive back. His favorite player is Julio Jones, and Harris hopes to bring the same skill-set to the Vols.

During Saturday’s trip, he chatted with fellow 2018 commits Alontae Taylor and Cade Mays, and laughed about the fact that earlier in day offensive coordinator Larry Scott “asked (me) if he was ready to commit?”

“I said, I don't know yet,’” Harris said, laughing.

But a few hours later?

“It just hit me.”

Advertisement