Hotty Toddy! Rebels get commit from talented in-state, 4-star DL Zxavian Harris
OXFORD, Miss. — While the Ole Miss recruiting pipeline has reached beyond the south as of late, keeping in-state talent always remains a strong priority for the Rebels. Head coach Lane Kiffin and staff proved that with the surprise commitment Thursday evening from 4-star defensive lineman Zxavian Harris of Madison (MS).
110% committed 💪🏾💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/BJQ0bhPWiM
— zxavian03 (@zxavian03) July 2, 2021
Harris is towering 6-foot-8, 335-pounder who is not only a force on the football field but also on the basketball court for Germantown High School.
The commitment of an athlete like Harris is yet another boost to a Landshark defense that has been a priority since Kiffin arrived in Oxford.
Harris chose the Rebels over offers from: Georgia, Mississippi State, Alabama, LSU, Tennessee, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida State, Indiana, Kansas, Memphis and Nebraska.
His primary recruiters to the Rebels are: defensive analyst Marquise Watson, defensive line coach Randall Joyner, co-defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin, and wide receivers coach Derrick Nix. Congratulations, coaches, on another huge commit!
Kiffin and Co. have been making some moves in the 2022 recruiting race, and you can expect the upcoming fall to be filled with an onslaught of recruiting news.
While most crystal balls had Harris heading down to Starkville, we always say….’it ain’t over till it’s over.’
I also say it’s time for the summer edition of a #FlipInTheSip.
The Ole Miss Fit
When Kiffin took the helm of the Rebs, it was no secret the work that needed to be done to rebuild and be relevant in the SEC West — which was no easy task given some of the defensive weaknesses.
Have y’all ever driven a Ford F-150 300 Inline 6? Those things are built with all torque and power. That is exactly what a kid like Zxavian Harris brings to a defensive front. This past season, he notched a total of 48 tackles with 4 tackles for loss. He recorded 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.
Recruiters to Germantown coach @tshramek62 this spring: “We need to know if @zxavian03 is really 6-foot-5.”The reply? “Nope, that’s not accurate. “He’s 6-foot-8 now.” 6-8 and 355. They grow DTs big in Mississippi. Zxavian Harris also plays basketball and has an offer from UGA. pic.twitter.com/XeJpe1cr0j
— Jeff Sentell (@jeffsentell) May 20, 2021
With his towering size, Harris is able to look over the line — and with that sort of wingspan, opponents will find it pretty hard to stop him. He will have no problem keeping a backfield out of the middle. He is an instinctive player and that is something not every player possesses.
When watching him play, one sees Harris’ quick reaction when it comes to making blocks and tackles. He takes down one and immediately is able to stop another without flinching. The mere presence of a player of his stature can change a whole offensive strategy. He is a problem for an offense and his ability can easily force an opponent into a less comfortable scheme.
Zxavian Harris is one of those types of players who could literally be a game-changer for the Ole Miss defense.
Hotty Toddy and Welcome to the ‘Sip, Zxavian!
Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo
Lee Ann is the Director of Recruiting for The Rebel Walk. She is a veteran SEC sports journalist and NFL content writer. She is also the Sr. Editor for MESPORTS digital. Herring-Olvedo is a Brown University graduate who loves good cigars, good games, and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order.
