The Ohio State Buckeyes have one of the most talked about recruits in the 2021 NCAA Football recruiting class committed to them already. That recruit would be four-star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Yes, he is the son of former Indianapolis Colts superstar Marvin Harrison. He is also expected to be one of the next big superstars in college football at the wide receiver position. Harrison Jr. has big-time potential and the Buckeyes could not be more excited to have him committed.
Standing in at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Harrison is exactly what the doctor ordered for Ohio State. They lost a ton of talent at wide receiver over the last couple of years and could really use more as soon as possible. Harrison has the potential to come in and be a legitimate No. 1 option right away.
All of that being said, there are quite a few fans who have not seen Harrison Jr. play. If you haven’t seen any of his game footage, we have you covered with his 2019 highlights. Check them out for yourself!
Evan Massey had a chance to do an exclusive interview with the future Buckeye. He is a great interview and this is must-read material for any Ohio State fan or college football fan in general.
First up, we wanted to find out why Harrison decided to commit to Ohio State. He shared the main deciding factors that led him to make the choice.
“One of the biggest factors was coach Hartline, the wide receivers coach there and we developed a good relationship. I think he can help me grow as player but also as a young man as well. And Coach Day is a great coach, offensive minded who also is going to help me become the person I want to be on and off the field. The Ohio State football program itself played a big factor, seeing the brotherhood they have there and the success they have had. Especially at the wide receiver position, they’re sending receivers to the league every year. I think maybe the biggest factor was I felt wanted by Ohio State. No other team that was recruiting me made me feel more wanted than Ohio State.”
Harrison was also happy to explain what he brings to the field and what fans should be expecting from him with the Buckeyes.
“I have good size for a receiver (6’4″, 200 pounds) and I think I can do anything you could want from the receiver position. I really focus on my route running and I think I can run every route in the route tree and get separation at all levels of the field. I have the speed to take the top of the defense and be a deep threat. I can play on the outside and in the slot and win my 1 on 1 battles. I can make the contested catches and win the 50-50 balls. I have the ability to turn a five-yard catch into a 60-yard touchdown. I have great body control and field awareness. And I think I’m a good blocker and can spring the running backs for long runs and touchdowns. I really try to be a complete receiver.”
For those wondering about how the great Marvin Harrison has influenced his son, Marvin Harrison Jr. opened up on that relationship.
“It’s helped a lot. It also brings a lot of pressure and you always have a target on your back. That’s something that I’ve gotten used to over the years and has actually given me an edge and competitiveness to my game. My dad has helped me with all the little details to playing receiver. I’m so passionate about my route running because of how great of a route runner he was. Even though we aren’t the same size wise, he still has helped me and influenced my play style.”
At this point in his career, Harrison Jr. opened up about what he feels his biggest strengths are. He also talked about what he must improve in the most.
“I think my biggest strength is my route running. Being able to get in and out of my breaks at my size like I’m smaller receiver. I can separate at all levels of the field and win my 1 on 1 matchups. I think an area that I can improve and I am improving, is consistently making the contested catch. I can make those catches, but not at the consistent level that I would like, so that’s an area that I am trying to improve.”
Fans always love seeing comparisons for their incoming recruits. We asked Harrison who he would compare his game to and the names mentioned will blow the minds of Ohio State fans.
“The biggest comparisons I get and the two who I would try to emulate my game after are Julio Jones and A.J. Green. With our size, but still being able to get in out of my breaks and run great routes. And our combination of size and speed. I also like to watch Jerry Jeudy, he’s another who runs great routes, and the things he can do is incredible, and even though I’m a bigger receiver than him there are still things he does that I really try to emulate. And also my dad, his routes were great and were extremely fast, so he’s also had a big impact on my game.”
The Buckeyes one of the top recruiting classes in 2021 and Harrison opened up about the class and mentioned a couple of names that fans should keep a close eye on.
“I think we have a chance to go down as one of the best classes and Ohio State history. And I think that’s definitely our goal. We expect nothing less than three straight or four straight undefeated national championship seasons. That’s our goal and what we are all working toward day in and day out. I think fans should keep an eye out on Kyle McCord. He’s the quarterback in our class and he’s my quarterback right now in high school. I’ve been around him a lot and he’s an unbelievable player and person. Buckeye fans should be really excited for his arrival in Columbus.”
Harrison has also set some early goals for his career with the Buckeyes.
“My goal is to become the best player I can be and the best person I can be. And I want to do whatever I can do to help the team win games and National Championships. I’m not a big stat person. I’m going to work as hard as I can to be the best version of Marvin Harrison Jr. I can be. I believe if I work harder than anyone else, everything else will fall into place, so that’s what I’m going to try and do.”
For young wide receivers with dreams of playing college football, Harrison was happy to share some words of wisdom.
“Work harder than everyone else. Yes, some were born with natural gifts and talent, but with hard work, self discipline, and consistency you can accomplish all your goals and dreams. Become a student of the game, learn as much as you can. And most importantly believe in yourself and have the confidence in yourself that you can accomplish your goals.”
Finally, in closing, Harrison sent a message to those who have helped him get to this point in his career.
“I would like to give a big shoutout to my family, my coaches at St. Joseph’s Prep, my friends, and teammates. Helping me workout, pushing me to be the best I can be, motivating me, supporting me, and believing in me. I couldn’t be where I’m at without them. Special thanks to my mom. She does so much behind the scenes. I appreciate her and love her so much, and couldn’t be more grateful for all that she has done for me.”
We hope that you have enjoyed this interview with Buckeyes’ wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and will continue following along as he takes the next step in his career. Make sure to follow NFL Analysis Network as well, as we will continue bringing quality interviews with top-notch talent all around the country.
