LAKE BUENA VISTA – Even in a deep field of defensive backs which included a pair of Florida targets – cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III (Tampa, Fla./Wharton) and cornerback Leon McQuay III (Seffner, Fla./Armwood) – highly regarded prospect Marcell Harris was one of the standouts at the Orlando Nike Football Training Camp at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex on Sunday afternoon. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound safety wasn’t shy to say he did well, either.
“I was very pleased with my performance,” Harris said. “I think I had three picks on the day. Finishing through the plays, competing very hard and making it exciting for these guys.”
After the event, Harris was extended an invitation to participate in the prestigious “The Opening” camp – to be held at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Ore this coming July.
“It’s a blessed feeling,” he said of the honor. “Going up there to Oregon and competing against some of the best guys – I’m proud I got it.”
After making a number of visits early in the year, Harris has mostly focused on preparing for the upcoming season over the last two months. However, he still found time to make a trip up to Gainesville on April 7 for the annual Orange & Blue Debut as Florida closed out spring workouts in the Swamp.
“I didn’t go to FSU, but Florida’s spring game was pretty cool,” he said. “I think T-Rob called me last week, he told me he was in New York recruiting a [defensive] tackle – I think – he was just checking up and seeing how things were going with me and my grades.”
In just a few days, Harris will finally get to take the field with his Dr. Phillips teammates as they prepare for a spring scrimmage against one of the top programs in the state of Florida.
“Getting ready for this spring ball – go out there and play Cocoa,” Harris said. “It’s going to be a good game. We’re out there working every day with [Dr. Phillips coach Rodney] Wells and the defensive backs. We’re just going to go out there and make the best of it.”
In the latest installment of the Gator Country Composite Rankings, Harris checks in as the No. 62 overall prospect in the country for the Class of 2013.