Which school offers Damien Harris the opportunity to showcase his skills?

[Kampus Korner]

Damien Harris is supposed to announce which school he will attend to pursue his college football career on January 9th. As a Kentucky fan I hope he chooses the University of Kentucky. Hypothetically, if I were Damien, after evaluating all of the most important factors, I would choose either Alabama or Ohio State. Both of these schools offer Damien the better opportunity to showcase his talents and compete for a national championship. Damien will have much more talented offensive lines to open holes for his running abilities than he would have at UK. Indeed, few people would dispute that a highly talented offensive line enhances the prospects for a running back to maximize his potential for success.

Damien is probably the best running back in Kentucky high school football since Shawn Alexander played for Boone County in 1994. Alexander went to Alabama where he experienced great success and national acclaim. He later had a great career in the NFL Damien maybe just as good or better. At Alabama or Ohio State, Damien will have to compete against other highly touted running backs for playing time. Shawn Alexander was redshirted his freshman year. He later went on to set the rushing record at Alabama. If Damien does not fear competition, both Alabama and Ohio Stare offer him the better opportunity to improve. At both of these programs he would be practicing everyday against much better athletes than he would face at Kentucky.

Like many of you, I have been a long suffering but supportive UK fan for many years. I have attended more than 90 percent of UK home games since I was nine years old. I'm now 65. I would be thrilled if Damien came to UK. However, I believe Damien's opportunities for personal success would be much better at Alabama or Ohio State.

 

[Real Deal 2]

Originally posted by Kampus Korner:
Damien Harris is supposed to announce which school he will attend to pursue his college football career on January 9th. As a Kentucky fan I hope he chooses the University of Kentucky. Hypothetically, if I were Damien, after evaluating all of the most important factors, I would choose either Alabama or Ohio State. Both of these schools offer Damien the better opportunity to showcase his talents and compete for a national championship. Damien will have much more talented offensive lines to open holes for his running abilities than he would have at UK. Indeed, few people would dispute that a highly talented offensive line enhances the prospects for a running back to maximize his potential for success.

Damien is probably the best running back in Kentucky high school football since Shawn Alexander played for Boone County in 1994. Alexander went to Alabama where he experienced great success and national acclaim. He later had a great career in the NFL Damien maybe just as good or better. At Alabama or Ohio State, Damien will have to compete against other highly touted running backs for playing time. Shawn Alexander was redshirted his freshman year. He later went on to set the rushing record at Alabama. If Damien does not fear competition, both Alabama and Ohio Stare offer him the better opportunity to improve. At both of these programs he would be practicing everyday against much better athletes than he would face at Kentucky.

Like many of you, I have been a long suffering but supportive UK fan for many years. I have attended more than 90 percent of UK home games since I was nine years old. I'm now 65. I would be thrilled if Damien came to UK. However, I believe Damien's opportunities for personal success would be much better at Alabama or Ohio State.

Stick to BB bud. Playing in SEC is like playing in the NFL D league every Saturday regardless of the spin the national media wants to make after the bowl season. UK has produced as good of pro's as Bama and have succeeded as much as Bama's NFL players. I would take Cobb, Warford, Trevathan, Woodyard, Williamson, Stevie Johnson, Tamme respectively in comparison to any of the TIde's or Bucs same players.

UK is plenty good enough and playing in SEC affords you opportunity to shine. He may not see field at Bama for 2 years and OSU in a year.

There is not one shred of evidence to back up your claim unless you are some guy that has a second favorite team. Most of the BB only guys here come on here and say this type BS.
IMO

 

[mrschwump]

All of them. Not much doubt that Bama and OSU have better OLs than UK. And that's a factor Harris or any other top of the line RB should figure into the equation. His choices are simple. Does he want to play for a Top 5 program with a chance for a possible NC or even Heisman? Or does he want to help his home state build its own program to elite status and ride that after his career ends? And does he want to stay close to home or go away? I don't know what's best for him, only he does. We'll find out soon.

 

[Rhavicc]

Let's just say that Damien Harris comes to Kentucky. Aside from being home state hero, making the family happy, etc., and looking from a purely-football standpoint, if you want to showcase your talent, how would Alabama be better opposed to UK?
At this point, Alabama gets a lot of better recruits who are expected to perform well against all competition, and football is a team sport. If Harris is behind Alabama's o-line, the perception could just as easily be "Well, who couldn't run behind that line?"
At Kentucky, he would shine more because his supporting cast isn't expected to be on the same level as it is at Alabama, in my opinion.
Also, in a way, I don't buy that you would need to go to a big football school to get a lot of looks from NFL scouts. Example: Bud Dupree, who I've heard may go very high in the draft.
Harris has to ability to showcase his talent wherever he goes, it will come down to his personal ties to each of the schools.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Any school will give him a chance to showcase his skills. The deciding factor for Harris, or any other kid with the chance to pick his school, should be where he feels the most comfortable if athletics weren't in the equation. Athletes, especially RBs are one play away from being a regular student.

 

[CoachR35]

Would he play right away at Bama or OSU? We know he'd play immediately at UK and be gone after his junior year, barring injury.

 

[Levibooty]

Kentucky fans will want to see a heavy dose of their hometown boy! They will not rest easy if he is not playing. That is unlike any other school as far as Harris is concerned.

 

[*Bleedingblue*]

Virtually every one of Bama's team is 4 and 5 star talent. Does every one of them shine? Does every one make it to the NFL? Does every one show case his skills? Seems to me that for the amount of talent they get a good majority never make it or show case their skills. Same thing for Ohio St.
He will have a much better chance to see plenty of snaps here if he is capable of taking many. He will not have to sit behind other 5 star backs and wait his turn . We also have other backs on the team that can push him as well as Boom Williams is an outstanding back in his own right.

 

[TBCat]

If you are good you can showcase your skills anywhere even the likes of McNeese State. The NFL drafts a lot of players from small schools. Talent will get discovered. When you talk about someone going to the best place to show case their skills you are mainly talking about pretenders and not real players. A mediocre player would be better at Alabama than UK because he could ride the coat tails of other players. A mediocre WR would be better off at Alabama because he wouldn't have to worry about getting open. Amari Cooper will draw so much attention that you will usually be open. A prime time player however will show up no matter where he goes.

 

[Comebakatz3]

First off, there isn't anything Harris can do to make himself a top 10 draft pick. Melvin Gordon has showcased his skills at a big time school and he is still only going to go around 20th. The NFL has just stopped valuing running backs like they used to do. So, with that in mind, if I am Harris I worry more about where I can go and keep my body as fresh as possible while still not dropping off the radar.

I think you can be showcased at any of the school, but NFL careers for running backs are pretty short, so I would want to make sure I was as injury free as possible.

 

[Rhavicc]

Originally posted by Comebakatz3:
First off, there isn't anything Harris can do to make himself a top 10 draft pick. Melvin Gordon has showcased his skills at a big time school and he is still only going to go around 20th. The NFL has just stopped valuing running backs like they used to do. So, with that in mind, if I am Harris I worry more about where I can go and keep my body as fresh as possible while still not dropping off the radar.

I think you can be showcased at any of the school, but NFL careers for running backs are pretty short, so I would want to make sure I was as injury free as possible.

That's just not something a running back won't do, at any level. Let alone, one as highly ranked as Harris.

 

[ORCAT]

If the OP means the best national attention, there is no doubt it would be at Bama or Ohio State. But, to be showcased, doesn't matter as the NFL will find and follow great talent wherever they play.

 

[Calsarmy]

OP are you familar with CBS/ESPN123456789/SECnetwork and a 1000 other chances to be seen? Back in the day it might have been noteworthy, not today. Your everywhere in the media in the SEC.

That and there is nothing like being a state hero for the flagship university of a state.

I dont buy your arguement in the least.

 

[Calsarmy]

By the way, does anyone know where Shawn Alexander is today. I have no idea where the guy is today. Sure dont see him around his home state,

 

[TeoJ]

If you have NFL talent the NFL will find you.That's why you always see a top ten pick and everyonr asks where is that school from.

 

[truebluewildcat]

I think he's going to have a good shot to perform anywhere he goes...

Michigan--Harbaugh is a heck of coach...now has NFL knowledge and connections that he can pitch to kids and use to help develop them into being able to perform well in college as well as the pros...runs pro style system...also, don't know that they have any RBs signed for 2015...yet...DH would definitely be the crown jewel, and piece to build around...

Alabama...pretty much RB U...heck it's just about every position U...it's Alabama...Nick Saban...enough said...

LSU...I don't think theyre on his short list...but Miles runs the ball...tigers are losing two tail backs...and how awesome would that backfield be...Fournette and Harris...

UK...perhaps the best shot at getting the most PT and shining early on and for his career...would also be getting a lot of touches in the passing game...

 

[jauk11]

Originally posted by Calsarmy:
OP are you familar with CBS/ESPN123456789/SECnetwork and a 1000 other chances to be seen? Back in the day it might have been noteworthy, not today. Your everywhere in the media in the SEC.

That and there is nothing like being a state hero for the flagship university of a state.

I dont buy your arguement in the least.

Nice post, along with your other one.

I don't really feel any need to jump on the OP's post, I think most of the other posts have pretty well debunked it.

I seriously believe there are a lot of advantages to attending HOME STATE U, especially after football. I think he will find plenty of competition AND support at UK with the emphasis Stoops is putting on the big uglies and redshirting them. With the recruits his signing could help bring in even more talent to help make him be an even bigger hero than our five stars in basketball, he would be our first five star in ages-----in football. And, believe it or not, we do have a tremendous support in our state for football, just not that much to cheer for for a long time.

Our S&C program and NEW facilities could also be a big plus, not only in playing on a competitive team but also in improving your ability and skills.

Come be a hero.

 

[dallasg23]

The nfl and well professional leagues find talent anywhere. If they can play. They will make it.

 

[JPFisher]

I'll just leave this here.

Enjoy

 

[sluggercatfan]

BOOM!!!!!!!!!!

...SAYS HE CAN DO FINE AT KENTUCKY...

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

OP is 100% correct.

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

Not that it's likely to happen but I'd say Bama or OSU is the BEST place to get nicked up, replaced by someone of equal talent and never get back to showcasing your skills (as if that's the point of football ).. all along I was thinking it was a team sport.

 

[Kampus Korner]

Originally posted by mrschwump:

All of them. Not much doubt that Bama and OSU have better OLs than UK. And that's a factor Harris or any other top of the line RB should figure into the equation. His choices are simple. Does he want to play for a Top 5 program with a chance for a possible NC or even Heisman? Or does he want to help his home state build its own program to elite status and ride that after his career ends? And does he want to stay close to home or go away? I don't know what's best for him, only he does. We'll find out soon.

Mrschwump, you framed the decision making question for Damien perfectly.

 

[miracle7s]

Originally posted by Real Deal 2:

Originally posted by Kampus Korner:
Damien Harris is supposed to announce which school he will attend to pursue his college football career on January 9th. As a Kentucky fan I hope he chooses the University of Kentucky. Hypothetically, if I were Damien, after evaluating all of the most important factors, I would choose either Alabama or Ohio State. Both of these schools offer Damien the better opportunity to showcase his talents and compete for a national championship. Damien will have much more talented offensive lines to open holes for his running abilities than he would have at UK. Indeed, few people would dispute that a highly talented offensive line enhances the prospects for a running back to maximize his potential for success.

Damien is probably the best running back in Kentucky high school football since Shawn Alexander played for Boone County in 1994. Alexander went to Alabama where he experienced great success and national acclaim. He later had a great career in the NFL Damien maybe just as good or better. At Alabama or Ohio State, Damien will have to compete against other highly touted running backs for playing time. Shawn Alexander was redshirted his freshman year. He later went on to set the rushing record at Alabama. If Damien does not fear competition, both Alabama and Ohio Stare offer him the better opportunity to improve. At both of these programs he would be practicing everyday against much better athletes than he would face at Kentucky.

Like many of you, I have been a long suffering but supportive UK fan for many years. I have attended more than 90 percent of UK home games since I was nine years old. I'm now 65. I would be thrilled if Damien came to UK. However, I believe Damien's opportunities for personal success would be much better at Alabama or Ohio State.

Stick to BB bud. Playing in SEC is like playing in the NFL D league every Saturday regardless of the spin the national media wants to make after the bowl season. UK has produced as good of pro's as Bama and have succeeded as much as Bama's NFL players. I would take Cobb, Warford, Trevathan, Woodyard, Williamson, Stevie Johnson, Tamme respectively in comparison to any of the TIde's or Bucs same players.

UK is plenty good enough and playing in SEC affords you opportunity to shine. He may not see field at Bama for 2 years and OSU in a year.

There is not one shred of evidence to back up your claim unless you are some guy that has a second favorite team. Most of the BB only guys here come on here and say this type BS.
IMO

I respect the passion of your post, however if you believe what you wrote there, I don't think anyone could ever talk any sense with you.

 

[jauk11]

Very nice post------- Real Deal 2.
This post was edited on 1/4 3:58 AM by jauk11

 

[Hacksaw Cat]

Agree with other posters in that UK has as much oopportunity as others, we are on TV almost every game, and he would have early PT at UK. Go Cats!
This post was edited on 1/4 5:30 AM by Hacksaw Cat

 

[michaeluk26]

Alabama - Play in one of the best running games with one of the best o lines in the country. If you are a tailback at Bama, you are going to get exactly what you want, carries. You will be the focal point of the offense. Best place to show you can run between the tackles as well as hit the outside. Be surrounded by other star players who give you the best chance of winning.

Ohio State - Urban Meyer is all about getting his speed players the ball in open space. He would manufacture many different ways to get the ball to Harris. Harris would not the focal point as much as he would at Bama because Urban spreads the ball around to everyone but he would still get his carries. Another great chance of winning big games.

UK - as UK fans we all know what we offer.

Honestly, without my homer blinders on, Alabama would be the best place to show his skills as a running back for the NFL. Ohio State would be better if he wants to show a more dynamic game not limited to simply running the ball. Ohio State runs out of the gun almost always. Bama still runs the pro set so Bama would be the best place. They produce star running back one after another yearly, usually having 2 featured backs they rely on. When you think Alabama, you think running backs and the power running game.

He will come to UK though and would be the most important commit in our history most likely.

 

[Jon(-24)]

Bama turns out NFL busts. Meyer doesn't turn out NFL anythings. Not sure what UK will do, but for a guy to make it and have a successful NFL career as a RB, he needs to do more than run between the tackles of the most massive OL in college like Bama does. He needs to show he can run between the tackles sure, but he also needs to pick up the blitz, catch out of the backfield and make plays in open space. Lacy's had a decent go of things so far, but Richardson is already on the scrap heap, Ingram has been subpar, can't imagine Henry will be successful but at his size he will get redzone snaps with someone down the line, Yeldon you'd like to believe in but like the rest of Saban's backs, you go from awed their freshman year to wondering how they'll ever be able to adjust to not playing with bullies in front and never catching passes.

IMO the best question is not who can showcase his skills, the answer to that question is EKU. The question is who can develop him and get him ready for the league. I don't know enough about Dawson because Dana runs the show, but if we look like WVU looked last year, then the answer to that is KY. Steady running game, air it out some where he'll be expected to pick up blocks, screen pass some where he'll be expected to catch in the flat. If he can do those things he can be a star. If all he can do 3 years from now is put his head down and run behind Saban's all american line, he'd better be damn sure he picked a major he enjoys and can work in the rest of his life.

 

[CATS1945]

If he was going to Ohio State or Alabama, I think he would have announced on national TV during the Under Armour Football game like so many of them did. Since he is announcing at his school where all (most all) of the students are UK fans, I think that bodes well for him choosing UK.

 

[Dreklie]

Originally posted by CoachR35:
Would he play right away at Bama or OSU? We know he'd play immediately at UK and be gone after his junior year, barring injury.

Not sure what Henry and Yeldon do this year, but I don't see Harris starting over those two. I don't know if either are Seniors or not, I am just assuming both come back.

 

[KapitalCat]

The best place to showcase his skills is for the team whose uniform he's wearing. He's that good.

The draw for Harris is the same as the draw for Matt Elam, Ryan Timmons and Drew Barker. Timmon's was a take by OSU, Elam by Alabama and Barker by South Carolina. Two of these guys choose to play for the home state school and do something special. Not sure what Harris will do but I like our chances.

 

[blubo]

Re: Damian Harris
CardinalJim posted on 1/5/2015...
Harris isn't a 5 star outside of Ky. In Florida he might be 3 a star based on the competition. You don't find true 5 star recruits in "Nowhere Kentucky". Tim Couch from Hyden was seen as a can't miss prospect as a QB and Curry had him running the option. I liken Harris to Ervin Stepp or Todd May in basketball. Stats are pumped up because he faced absolutely zero competition. But but the camps, everyone in the camps loves his ability. Just because he gets it done in camps doesn't mean it will happen between the lines. If the kid goes to Ohio State or Alabama, he has a shot. If he chooses kentucky, chances are he'll be the next Elam or Hatcher before he is a real game changer.
################################################################################

i guess harris isn't as good as all the national scouting services think he is.

 

[C1180]

There is no doubt that OSU Michigan and Alabama are prestige schools and all would be good places for him to go. We want him for the same reason that those schools want him. He is a dang good football player.


I hope however that he has developed enough of a relationship with the UK coaching staff and players that he will stay home and be a star RB for state U.

He can achieve his goal of going to the NFL if he is good enough no matter where he plays in college.

IMO if the kid and his family have deep roots in Kentucky. The kids best long term interest would be to stay and play in state. RBs have short NFL careers and then you have a long life doing something other than playing football. There is things involved in picking a school just as important and likely more important than which school will showcase your football playing ability in its best light.

I hope the kid comes to UK but wish him the best of luck where ever he goes except when he would be playing against UK.

 

[Hjack]

Originally posted by Real Deal 2:

Originally posted by Kampus Korner:
Damien Harris is supposed to announce which school he will attend to pursue his college football career on January 9th. As a Kentucky fan I hope he chooses the University of Kentucky. Hypothetically, if I were Damien, after evaluating all of the most important factors, I would choose either Alabama or Ohio State. Both of these schools offer Damien the better opportunity to showcase his talents and compete for a national championship. Damien will have much more talented offensive lines to open holes for his running abilities than he would have at UK. Indeed, few people would dispute that a highly talented offensive line enhances the prospects for a running back to maximize his potential for success.

Damien is probably the best running back in Kentucky high school football since Shawn Alexander played for Boone County in 1994. Alexander went to Alabama where he experienced great success and national acclaim. He later had a great career in the NFL Damien maybe just as good or better. At Alabama or Ohio State, Damien will have to compete against other highly touted running backs for playing time. Shawn Alexander was redshirted his freshman year. He later went on to set the rushing record at Alabama. If Damien does not fear competition, both Alabama and Ohio Stare offer him the better opportunity to improve. At both of these programs he would be practicing everyday against much better athletes than he would face at Kentucky.

Like many of you, I have been a long suffering but supportive UK fan for many years. I have attended more than 90 percent of UK home games since I was nine years old. I'm now 65. I would be thrilled if Damien came to UK. However, I believe Damien's opportunities for personal success would be much better at Alabama or Ohio State.

Stick to BB bud. Playing in SEC is like playing in the NFL D league every Saturday regardless of the spin the national media wants to make after the bowl season. UK has produced as good of pro's as Bama and have succeeded as much as Bama's NFL players. I would take Cobb, Warford, Trevathan, Woodyard, Williamson, Stevie Johnson, Tamme respectively in comparison to any of the TIde's or Bucs same players.

UK is plenty good enough and playing in SEC affords you opportunity to shine. He may not see field at Bama for 2 years and OSU in a year.

There is not one shred of evidence to back up your claim unless you are some guy that has a second favorite team. Most of the BB only guys here come on here and say this type BS.
IMO

With an attitude like yours, that may be why there are so many "BB only" guys.

 

[Trubluepopeye]

Here's why I hope he picks Ky besides the obvious. Let's say he picks Bama and he has a good year and mid-way thru the season he pulls a ham-string. At Bama it's next and Damien will never see the field again. Same as Ohio St. but to a lesser degree. If the same injury happens at Ky. he will be given every opportunity to get back on the field even if he's lost a half second. The fact that all the schools play in good conferences he will be seen where ever he goes. In the NFL they will find you if you can play. Jerry Rice if you remember played for East Mississippi St or something like that and they found him. One Phil Sims was a near top draft pick from little Morehead St. They will find you.

 

[madskilz]

I agree with op. Damien Harris should go play at Bama and us kentucky fans should give up on football and take whatever crumbs the Alabama's,Aubun's,Georgia's, and LSU's give us. Stoops might as well throw in the towel.

 

[devilpuppet]

Makes sense to me. Kentucky fans telling Damien Harris why he should go play for Alabama or Ohio St. Sounds like giving up to me.

 

[optimus-blue]

The only UK fans that think Damien should go to ALA or OSU, are basketball fans only or fans who have a loser mentality that part of the problem, The list of ALA 4 and 5 RB who have been busts is very long but the idea he will be more successful just because it is ALA is crazy. Same people said TIM Couch should go somewhere else, he made the right call, I love it when the basketball only feel the need to throw their vast knowledge about kids and where they should go out of state . ironically they tell the very few instate Basketball kids that can play at the D1 level they should come to UK knowing they will never really play. I am a football fan but I hope the basketball team wins ever game and gets every player but I don't follow it, I go to 2-3 games a year when somebody gives me tickets but I support them, I just don't get the mentality, I guess its the popularity of football. Could you imagine posting on the basketball board that Hawkins and Willis should have went somewhere else because they would get play at another BCS school.


This post was edited on 1/7 8:20 AM by optimus-blue

This post was edited on 1/7 8:21 AM by optimus-blue