The combination of a switch to a spread offense and quarterback depth concerns have the Florida Gators actively seeking another 2014 quarterback to go with early enrollee Will Grier. The Gators are making a big pitch for dual threat quarterback Treon Harris (5-11, 180, Miami, FL Booker T. Washington), a Florida State commitment who visited Gainesville last weekend.
According to his father, Tim Harris Sr., who is a football coach, Treon thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the Florida campus.
“It was great and Treon said it was a great experience overall,” Tim Harris Sr. said. “He said he felt comfortable with the relationship that he and Florida have and they are continuing to build that relationship right now and this weekend was just another step in that direction. We are still just trying to keep the relationship building going with Florida but it’s going in the right direction.”
While in Gainesville for his official visit Harris had the chance to sit down with new offensive coordinator Kurt Roper to talk about his plans for next year on the offensive side of the ball.
“Coach Roper sat Treon down and showed him his offensive scheme and how he could use Treon,” Harris said. “It was good and it helped Treon with the football part of Florida and understanding the X’s and O’s from his viewpoint.”
After meeting with Roper the Miami prep star had the chance to sit down with Will Muschamp who explained why Florida was late to offering Harris.
“Coach Muschamp told him that in the other offense his direction was a lot different from the new offense’s direction, which why they offered Treon so late,” Harris said. “Coach Muschamp said that when Coach Roper came in and was evaluating tape Treon’s name popped up on the radar.”
The key for Florida’s chances of flipping Harris from Florida State is to continue building a relationship, not only with Harris but with the entire family. A Tuesday in-home could go a long way in expanding the relationship.
“Coach Muschamp and T-Rob (Travaris Robinson) are coming for an in-home visit on Tuesday night,” Tim Harris Sr. said. “Tuesday is another step in the relationship building because one weekend can’t build the relationship by itself. This is the recruiting process so these things go on and tomorrow will help the relationship continue moving in the right direction.”
The presence of Will Grier won’t be an obstacle. Although Grier is considered one of the top prep quarterback prospects in the country (named national player of the year by some organizations), Tim Harris Sr. says that will not factor in Treon’s decision.
“Will Grier doesn’t affect him at all,” Harris said. “Grier’s situation won’t affect Treon’s decision because you have to make your own decision in this process. Once you get to a school then you have to build that relationship with the other players and bond together to try and win a national championship. Treon won’t be focusing on the depth chart. When you go to a BCS school than you have to expect to be ready to compete for your position and that’s what Treon is all about is competing.”
Treon Harris has been committed to FSU since July and it will be tough to flip him to Florida but the Harris family is leaving the option open.
“Anything happen and we are giving them a fair shot and praying on things,” Harris said. “This weekend was good though and he was glad he made the trip.”
Next up for Harris is a trip to Auburn and Miami and after that Harris and his family will sit down to talk about his decision.
“Signing day is when he will make his final decision,” Harris said. “We are doing checks and balances now with every school so he’s just going through the process of finding out where the best place for him is at.”
Not only will Will Muschamp visit Harris but two other coaches are expected to visit Harris in-home before signing day.
“Jimbo Fisher will visit next week and I’m not sure when Al Golden is coming,” Harris said.