T.J. Harrell is one of the better recruits in the Tampa area. Out of Tampa (Fla.) Catholic, the 6'0, 200-pound Harrell claims sixteen BCS scholarship offers, including in-state powers Florida and Florida State. Harrell plays a multitude of positions, and is a consensus three-star recruit.
I caught up with Harrell at the IMG 7-on-7 Southeast Championships.
"It helps me to be a better player in coverage," Harrell said when asked why he participates in the sport as a linebacker.
Harrell is exciting about spring football and spring recruiting.
"It should be picking up here in spring," he said. "I just talked to Kentucky last night. They're showing a lot of love and are really trying to get me out there. They really want me."
Harrell is expecting new offers this spring from Ole Miss and N.C. State when they swing by his school. And each school has a different idea as to his position.
"Everywhere. West Virginia wants me as a receiver. Michigan State as a safety. UCLA as an outside linebacker. USF and FSU as a running back. It's all over the place." Harrell insists that he does not have a favorite position.
Harrell recently visited FSU, Georgia and USF. He offered his thoughts on each school.
"Georgia was nice. At Georgia, they had nice facilities. And their coaches are real cool."
"At FSU, I really liked the love they showed. They sat me down and let me know how much they want me. They wasn't all flashy with the institution stuff, but the coaches really showed me what it was all about."
"There's a lot going on at USF."
Harrell currently has a top group of USF, Georgia, Florida and FSU, in no specific order. And he was quick to point out that he only favors those schools because he has seen them and that when he checks out more out-of-state schools, a lot could change.
Harrell also noted that distance would not be a factor in his recruitment and that he wants to study sports psychology, which all of the schools offer and are pitching him on.