Is the Drew Harris recruitment saga over yet?
Virginia Tech enrolled seven scholarship players early in January, but running back Drew Harris was not one of them because of what he termed, “a paperwork error.” The mistake, he tweeted, meant he couldn’t enroll until June.
But our recruiting guru, Doug Doughty, spoke with Fork Union coach John Shuman yesterday and it sounds like there’s a chance his papers could still go through in time for him to enroll in January. There’s also a chance he could look elsewhere if they don’t.
Tech is involved with a second Fork Union player, running back Drew Harris from Exton, Pa., whose efforts to enroll for the second semester have reached the eleventh hour.
Fork Union coach John Shuman isn’t ruling out the possibility of a favorable ruling from the NCAA, despite reports that Harris can’t enroll till June.
“He increased his SATs, he got good grades here and now it’s a matter of waiting on the [NCAA] clearinghouse,” Shuman said. “We realize the deadline for admissions at Tech is next Monday. Academically and everything, he’s on track, especially out of Fork Union.
“It’s just come down to the reviewing of the paperwork. It’s done and it’s been submitted. I know the dad is not happy and he and the high school coach have called other schools.”
Shuman took a call from a University of Miami coach Tuesday, Rutgers called Wednesday and Temple came into the school to talk with Harris.
“If [the Harrises] want to open it up, that’s fine with us,” Shuman said. “By chance, if he’s not admitted by next Monday, they’re wondering, ‘What’s he going to do for the spring?’ “
Because he wasn’t cleared by the NCAA, Harris’ recruitment is technically open. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound, four-star running back is considered is one of the top prospects in the Hokies’ 2013 class. He’s the No. 6 ranked prep player and the No. 1 ranked prep running back by 247 Sports.
January 17, 2013 - 9:21 AM
Just so long as the paperwork error wasn’t requesting that he play for another school.
We want this guy.
He couldn’t get in the basket weaving class he needed at Tech. It was full of other Teck players. Oh that’s right they all take Hotel Management classes for Motel Six employment.
FOOTBALL FAN – You must have your schools mixed up – That course if at UVA not Tech!
Hey, FOOTBALL FAN, or hoo fan if you like, the hoos take football players that can walk and chew gum at the same time. By the way, I see this morning that a hoo star defensive player was suspended for academic reasons from the team. Even with speech major ( see Ralph Sampson ) he could not pass. Maybe he could take basket identification vs basket weaving or speech ( Eye R a hoo !!! )
Good ones, Football Fan!
So this kid was not able to make passing grades in high school. Goes to Fort Union (high school lite) and suddenly raises his SAT scores and his grades? How is he expected to pass a college level class? Even if he comes to VT, I would not expect him to stay a full 4 years.
This situation is really getting ridiculous. Makes you wonder what the deal is with the NCAA or does this kid really want to be here??
Perhaps I’m missing something that’s already been reported. The ‘paperwork issues’ that delayed the original enrollment in January, can anyone credible account for them? Not guesses, but actual foundation. Was the paperwork late? Was something not included? Something else?
It sounds like the supposed June enrollment is now a question. Is that what I’m reading? It sounds like Fork Union did everything they should and everything they could do, based on John Shuman’s statements. It sounds like something went wrong at VT. It sounds like the only place where no communication is coming is from VT. Was it a loss of paperwork?
The thing I draw from this is that it would be useful for the VT athletic department to be more proactive in working recruits into the university. It would be more productive for VT to work better with FUMA. I know, and we all should know, that Hargrave is a favorite spot for Hokie recruits. It would seem that we could have an equivalent relationship with FUMA and not harm the Hargrave pipeline. Two similar prep schools, but different enough to coexist.
how about Mante teo now notre dames’s PR’s is tryn to sweep it under the rug as a hoax im not buying it!!!!!!
Bob, FOOTBALL FAN can’t be a Hoo fan. That would be an oxymoron.
Best of luck to Drew whatever he decides.
Hey Football Fan, how come idiots like you have nothing better to do than make stupid comments like you just did. I know, because you are an idiot who grew up being picked on and never accomplished anything in your meaningless life. Either that or you must be Hoo fan. Either way, it doesn’t matter what you think. Get a life!
Where you at Barry? Don’t you wanna take a run at this one? Drew Harris hasn’t qualified yet. Maybe if he decides to leave, he can enroll at prestigious Georgia Tech…I mean UVA. The cover is blown, Wahoo, go back and post about bow ties, sparkling cider, and Ivy league wanna-be’s.
So is it Tech or the NCAA that is holding things up? If the clearinghouse okayed him then it is Tech, if the clearinghouse didn’t okay him he can’t get into those other schools either.
If the guy wants out, he’ll get out, paperwork or no paperwork. If he wants to come to Tech, he knows he is wanted, if not badly needed, so he will. If not, then it’s like my mother used to say, “why would you waste your time lovin’ somebody who doesn’t love you back?”.
Either way, ‘bama’s coming up, we gotta lotta work to do with him or without him.
Appears to me this kid has been coddled & protected his whole life. Daddys not happy, sounds like a current Cam Newton story, what can you offer. If there is going to be this much drama let him go. Like my daddy use to say, if you want to see how much you’re going to be missed, stick your hand in a bucket of water, take it out and see how big a hole is left. Good hunting daddy and Drew.
Correct # 12 if he is not eligible for tech then how can he go any where else. Come on man ti !
So a guy comes to this board and makes a stupid remark about VT and it fires you up . Then everyone starts making remarks about UVA . Does that make them any better than the original stupid comments . I’m a UVA fan I’ve heard all the jokes about both schools but won’t stoop to that level . Kids these days want to be begged to come to school somewhere and play . It’s abouut the ” look at me attitude”. I say he ends up at VT . Go HOOS
I’m anxious to know who blew this one. Shane Beamer recruited him so in my book he’s responsible for anything and everything that VT could possibly control. If this guy passes this will be huge blow as none of our running backs this year were very good. Not saying Harris will be any better but at least he’s got some size on him. I wonder if we’ll ever know what the issue is. Get on it Andy – enquiring minds want to know!
Steve, I really don’t understand how some of these athletes think at times. Another school isn’t going to come calling if you can’t pass the NCAA requirements. If you can’t get past the NCAA clearinghouse you’ve got some serious catching up to do. The clearinghouse is usually the easiest of the requirements in the recruiting process. After the clearinghouse, it’s up to the school if they want to allow the athlete to enroll. Many schools relax their academic standards for top notch athletes. So before some of the academic standard preachers jump out of their skin, keep this in mind; When was the last time 65,000 people showed up to watch a non-athlete undergrad do a research paper. Schools rely on these athletes to generate income outside of room and board, and tuition. Which is why I’m in favor of an athletic scholarship stipend for athletes but that’s a topic for a different time.
Perch- If Harris wants to go elsewhere because he can’t get past the simplest of requirements and thinks that others will come knocking on his door then so be it. Yes, others have shown interest because they know if there’s a chance they can get him to sway and change his committment. It makes Tech look like they don’t care for him because and the other schools showing interest are probably dangling that phrase for him to see but in reality if he can’t pass the clearinghouse requirments, no one will take him. Gotta have a little something upstairs to get to where you wanna go.
No doubt we need this guy in the backfield, and I’d love to see him taking hand-offs at Lane Stadium. The game tape I’ve seen of this kid is amazing, with a good mixture of size and speed. Hit the books Drew, Blacksburg awaits.
VT “clueless wolf” Shane Beamer is the reason his paperwork is not in? Shane Beamer is responsible for the NCAA clearing house? You have got to get back on your meds.
This is an academic issue. Email the administration. They are the final word on who gets into school.
Here is what the Clearing house requires:
For athletes who receive a scholarship from a Division I university on or after August 1, 2008, their initial eligibility will be evaluated under the 16 core course rule.
(2004-2005 ninth grade)
you will need 16 core courses as outlined below:
4 years of English
3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
2 years of natural/physical science (one must be a lab science)
1 year of additional science, math or English
2 years of social studies
4 years of additional core courses (they can be from any listed above or from nondoctrinal religion or philosophy or foreign language)
SAT Portion:
The “sliding scale” used by the NCAA now allows a higher core GPA to reduce the SAT component. A 2.5 core GPA will still need a 820 SAT score, a higher core GPA of 2.75 will need a 720 SAT score, a 3.0 core GPA will only require a 620 SAT score and a 3.55 core GPA will just need a 400 SAT score. The NCAA has stated that their research now indicates that core class grades were the best indicators of academic success during a student-athlete’s freshman year.
These are very easy standards. When I played, aside from the English class requirement and foreign language, I had was clear after my Junior year in High School. The SAT requirement is what gets most of them. Thus the reason Post Graduate schools are raking in the Money.
Michael, I’m sorry to post things about UVA. Unlike many Tech fans, I pull for UVA when they aren’t playing Tech, same for Liberty, JMU, and Richmond. I like to see the VA schools make a good showing, no matter what team they play outside of the Commonwealth. I’ve had my players attend each of these schools but I’ve always been a Hokie fan, so when they play Tech I root for Tech. Barry is just a pot-stirrer, who never makes any points about Georgia Tech but merely downs the Hokies. It makes perfect sense that the only reason he “claims” that he’s a GT fan is because UVA is so bad right now, and he knows that his wisecracks wouldn’t sound as good if it were coming from a UVA fan. It’s all in good fun Michael. We’re apparently the “redneck hillbilly’s who only needed a hunting license to get enrolled” at Tech who wear our camo to the games. UVA we fire back, is the “preppy wanna-be Ivy Leaguer’s who tote their wine and cheese, and bow-ties to match.” Certainly both stereotypes don’t include all of us but Barry…Oh Brother Where Art Thou Barry, plasters GT and Hokie hate all over these boards…”that dog just won’t hunt.”
#19 FH, not to speak for him, but it sounded to me that VTRW’s point was this – Here’s a very highly recruited athlete, 5 star I think, playing a position Vt sorely needs helps, by the coach of that position. Why not go the couple of extra steps to ensure the guy got the correct paperwork in by the correct deadline? Make those extra five or even twenty phone calls to follow up on him. Nag him if it is necessary. Nag the admissions office if it is necessary. As much effort as is spent recruiting these guys, follow through to the last point. To use a football metaphor – don’t run back a kickoff out of the end zone, then kneel at the 2 yard line. Score.
Make sure the guy is locked in. If that means reminding him what he needs to bring on campus do it. Why the ‘coddling’ as some call it? Because EVERY other school is willing and already doing that. VaTech does a good job of keeping guys eligible once they arrive. Why not do just as good of a job making sure they arrive?
Anyone know how Drew did at FUMA, on the football field? Stats? Did he dominate?
This reminds me of the Nubian and tadrick Peak debacle a few years ago. They were both very talented and fast i just think under FB yhey would have done very well instead they ended up at Texas tech and had alot of issues and that sucked cause Nubian could fly and was suppose to start as a freshman on punt returns and was almost as fast as DW.
This is why you have your coaching staff firmed and confirmed by start of spring semester. In their hurried and panicked hiring process something fell through the crack, a 5 star running back. Looks like we need some reorganization in the athletic office. Good job for Stiney.
There are some harsh words toward Harris on here. He also tweeted after the tweet about the “paperwork error” a subtle confirmation of his loyalty with #hokieforlife and #hokienation tags. I feel pretty good about his commitment.
According to the coach at FU, which reminds me of a line from ‘The Odd Couple’, he was good to go as far as the NCAA Clearing House issues were concerned vis-a-vis Fork Union. This guy has no vested interest in being deceitful. So, why isn’t he on his way to Tech now? Maybe, he is. But, quotes from his hometown about his dad being mad, and with his HS coach calling other schools sounds like a ‘Tech’ problem. One thing is certain, there is much more to this issue than meets the eye, and Tech better get ahead of it, now. Hopefully, it was just late paper work that is grinding through the system, but, I have to say, it doesn’t sound like it.
Andy: Sounds like A-Mac is doing OK after his surgery…glad to hear.
Any word on Jim Weaver’s health?
Rumor is he is having some complications too and could be having some sort of procedure as well. Perhaps, that is the reason things are happening so slow with the coaching situation.
Hey ForNeverHokie, since you’ve decided to blow an artery over my comments on Shane Beamer let’s review. My comment was, “in my book he’s responsible for anything and everything that VT could possibly control.” See the part about “VT could possibly control”. If VT could have done it they should have done it. Jeez!
HokieDawg – good info on the clearing house. I’ve always been told that many school requirements are higher than that basic requirement, but the SEC for some reason never fails to bring in the most marginally prepared student athlete. Is that because they have no requirements beyong NCAA requirements? Where does VT fit into that discussion?
I agree that there is no reason to come down on Harris. If he does decommit or reopen his recruiting well, it happens all the time nowadays. His comments so far have been that he’s still all in, so as long as the Hokie staff continues to show him enough love and attention he’ll probably be good to go. Plus there’s always a couple of Hyena’s standing around the watering hole, why am I not surprised that Miami was quick to the phone considering the stuff they pulled a year ago. If he’s a candidate for Rutgers or Temple then he’s pretty desperate – which I doubt he is. What would concern me more is the number of young backs we’ve got stacking up. Someone is not going to be very happy next year.
Interestingly I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Frank Beamer rescinding a scholarship offer, but I assume that works both ways. Of course the kid, particularly if he’s good, has all the power.
Not sure why these guys are in such a hurry sometimes. Is it a rush to get paid? I know that year out of the limelight must be someone like Harris. One day they’re hometown hero and then they’re stuck in purgatory with no acolades or adoring fans.
Be patient Drew – VT isn’t going anywhere.
So Hospitality and Tourism, heh…for some odd reason thats seems to be some posters running insult about Tech… However I take that slight fairly personally since that is what I graduated in. Andy and others know I love my stats… so here are some links to help you understand how Tech ranks nationally in this educational program.
http://www.thebestschools.org/blog/2012/01/20/20-hospitality-programs-united-states/
http://www.ehow.com/list_6368169_top-10-colleges-hotel-management.html#page=5
Tech is ranked #5 in the country in this curriculum.
While if you wanted to run a motel 6 with this degree I am sure that would be no problem, to pretend or to infer that a motel 6 manager is the ceiling to this type of degree is, well, uneducated to put it nicely.
Good luck to Drew Harris in any choice he makes.
According to Harris’ tweet, all he needs is the matriculation letter and he’s set. Seems like he passed all the minimum requirements. So there’s that.
I would never post Hokie hate on this board, I only speak the truth about the Hokies and idiots misconstrue what is truth and what is fable. You know what I am talking about, I don’t see the Hokies through rose colored glasses. GT makes some mistakes also, just not as many as VT, plus we are not pretenders.
Nice work Barry from Hooville. Your last comment didn’t have the same zing or punch it used to. Barry from Ivy, wants his Hoos to be in the Ivy league so bad he has it in his blog name. GT in the Ivy league doesnt get the push like Hoos in Cville. Come on Barry just admit it, no GT fan has that much Hokie hate in them. I think the Bulldogs are a little cocky at times but I don’t go on their blog to tell them. Barry from Hooville has a better ring to it.
He’s coming to Tech!!
VT’s reputation of signing 3 star and some 4 star recruits and developing them into good players makes for a good “feel- good” story. At some point VT has to start signing the 5-star immediate impact players if we’re ever going to consistently be in the NC conversation. We missed on Taquan Mizzell (Va.#3 RB Rivals). It looks like we’re going to miss on Derrick Green (Va.#1 RB Rivals), I hope we don’t lose Drew Harris (#1 RB by 247).
Why does everything have to be a saga concerning VA Tech athletics? Do we have coaching changes or not? Is the hold up in Drew Harris’s paperwork a Tech problem or not? All we need is a little information out of someone in control in the athletic department. That would calm a lot of nerves and speculation. Makes me think we have the Three Stooges in control in Blacksburg.
To Come on Man: I like you am a Virginia Fan. By that I mean that I pull for all Virginia college’s. I thing that as football fans we should be proud of all colleges in our great state. As for UVA vs VA Tech I pull for UVA. However I don’t get my shorts in a wad if Tech wins. However people in this Blog sometimes get downright ugly and bullish talking about other blogers and their choice of schools. Its not life or death if one school wins and theirs looses, its just a game. Lets be kind in our remarks and civil to other fans and enjoy the games. Go Hokies!! Go HOO’s Spiders, Bulldogs, Flames, and all the other Virginia Colleges
So, there’s not any question about how VaTech should have followed through? That the football coaching staff didn’t have a need to follow through on a 5 star RB recruit? Question posed very early, and nobody is concerned about the lack of attention to detail?
And some like to pretend we’re on the same level as elite programs? Just another proof of how the muscles aren’t stretched by Frank or his staff. Former staff. No… wait, we’re supposed to pretend that hasn’t happened yet. Maybe once Mike O’Cain finally lands as the JMU OC, Frank can pretend he’s not fired anyone, that they’ve left on their own for ‘better opportunities’, thus preserving Frank’s aura among the apologists.
Harris is a 4 star, not a 5 star.
Oh, so it’s okay then. No problem.
Crooked Road, your last few posts have been pretty decent. Please don’t revert to your old ways.
1971 Hokie, I can answer to your question about why everything has to be a saga in one word. Weaver.
Yeah, what the heck is VT waiting on? Have we rid ourselves of Stinespring or not? I’m guessing keeps him on in some capacity. I don’t think that’s fair to the incoming OC to have the outgoing OC hang around. Stinespring needs a change of scenery, but the fact that I’m not hearing any rumors about him I’m guessing he’s staying put.
Regardless, announce it so we can at least pretend we’ll back to it next year.
CR – while you might have a valid concern, it seems quite an assumption that VT isn’t in his ear constantly.
Beamer and Co. have recruited and brought many an athlete to VT. I seriously doubt if anyone dropped the ball on this one.
And crooked, don’t forget, you have to take those meds every day for them to work properly. If VT has, indeed, dropped the ball, THEN jump on ‘em and we’ll all join the chorus.
Maybe the ppl in admissions could care less about football at tech cause again they did the same thing with Tadrick peak a few years ago which caused hia brother (Nubian) to leave the program as well!!!