Gulliver’s Harris sticks with Georgia; Green Jr. eager to continue family legacy at FSU
Gulliver cornerback Daniel Harris reopened his recruitment a month ago after spending the previous four months committed to the reigning national champion Georgia Bulldogs.
Big Ten powerhouse Penn State had become a serious consideration for the four-star recruit during that time.
Harris said he made up his mind once and for all two weeks ago.
But it wasn’t until Wednesday morning with hats from both schools, as well as other Big Ten juggernauts Ohio State and Michigan laid out in front of him, that Harris announced that he was sticking to his initial choice.
Harris, ranked No. 153 overall in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports and No. 31 among cornerbacks nationally, signed his letter of intent with Georgia.
“Basically, I just wanted to be coached by the best and play with the best,” said Harris, who had 49 tackles and two interceptions his senior season at Gulliver.
Harris said he thought for a while about Penn State, which made a late push to acquire him, and even kept debating whether he was making the right choice in recent days.
“It was tough as soon as I decommitted because it was like it all started all over again,” Harris said. “Even these last two weeks, it crept up again and I thought about it on and off. But I’m very excited and I can’t wait to get in there and enroll and compete for a ‘natty.’ I can’t wait to be part of that group and shut down all the best receivers.”
Harris was flanked on both sides at two adjacent tables by four of his teammates, who also signed on Wednesday.
For Gulliver edge rusher Lamont Green Jr., who grew up in a Florida State family, the decision to go to Tallahassee seemed like destiny for some time.
But on Wednesday, the end of a long road was upon him and he and his father, FSU great Lamont Sr., celebrated in style. Father and son posed for pictures as the elder Green brought the tradition FSU spear and tomahawk to the table as part of the props.
“It feels like all my hard work has come together now and I’m ready for a new beginning, I’m officially a ‘Nole,” said Green Jr., who finished his senior season with a career-high 20 sacks. “Back when I was younger we were always doing some kind of football work every day. I used to think he was crazy but now I see the long journey he brought me on was all worth it.
It entirely prepared me. I know now all the hard work that I need to put in to be successful.”
In addition to Harris and Green Jr., four-star wide receiver and longtime LSU commit Jalen Brown made it official, signing with the Tigers.
Brown and Green Jr. will be on opposite sides of the field to open next season when FSU takes on LSU in Orlando.
FAU also nabbed one of Gulliver’s best as it signed cornerback Antonio Smith. Safety Darriel Cannon signed with Charleston Southern.
