Haubert: Canes get quick, disruptive DE
By Craig Haubert | ESPN.com
The Hurricanes picked up their 10th ESPN 300 prospect Monday in defensive end Trent Harris (Winter Park, Fla./Winter Park). Read on to see how our scouts feel he'll perform at the next level:
What he brings: Harris can be an explosive and physical defender who is capable of being tough against the run as well as harassing quarterbacks. A thickly built kid with good playing strength, the ESPN 300 DE possesses very good first-step quickness that can allow him to be a disruptive presence. With the ability to explode off the ball and use his hands, he can set the edge as a run defender and as a pass rusher displays nice upside with his initial quicks. While there is room for improvement and refinement with things like the use of his hands, he has the tools to be dangerous coming off the edge with further development.
How he fits: This is a nice in-state pick-up for a Miami team looking to improve on defense. Among the worst in the nation in run defense, tackles for loss and sacks, Harris is another addition for them on the defensive side of the ball who is capable of helping this unit get stronger. Harris has the tools to be a three-down defender that can help them to be more stout against the run, and he is capable of helping to generate pressure in passing situations.
Prediction for performance: As Miami looks to strengthen its defense, a prospect like Harris could be called upon to contribute early on, and he is capable of it. He displays very good ability, but consistency is the key. We have been very impressed at times by the four-star defender, but at others times in evaluation felt like we weren’t seeing the same player. His ability to contribute could be based of his ability to perform at the level he is capable of on a consistent basis. If he can do that, he’s certainly capable of working his way into the rotation early on, with the ability to develop into a very good and well-rounded multiyear starter for them.
How the class is shaping up: Miami is putting together a strong 2014 class currently ranked in the top 10. The class has a good emphasis on the trenches, as six of their top seven commitments are either OL or DL prospects. With the addition of Harris along with recent verbal Chad Thomas (Miami/Booker T. Washington) and the raw but promising Demetrius Jackson (Miami/Booker T. Washington), the Hurricanes have some prospects on board at defensive end with the tools to help them improve those sack totals in the future.