Michael Harris '16 Recruiting Profile

What makes me a good candidate for your team?  I know that I am a great candidate for your team because I approach athletics, academics, and almost every aspect of my life through 8 core values that I hold sacred.  My mother, a single parent and disabled veteran, taught me at an early age the importance of personal responsibility and accountability.  She instilled in me values, specifically Army values that have guided her life as she has raised my sister and me to always be at and give our best.  The values of Loyalty; Duty; Respect; Selfless-Service; Honor; Integrity; Personal Courage; and Achievement are at the center of how I approach football and life.  I believe these values are the epitome of teamwork and I consider myself the ultimate team player.  I lead by example and never expect from others that of which I am not prepared to do or have not done myself.   I understand that in order to be successful all team members must be on the same “page” and each must play their role and most importantly give their best.  For me that means work on weaknesses and reinforce strengths on and off the field.   I also understand that in order to be a good leader, one must first be a good follower.  I always look first to the coaching staff for guidance and direction.  Secondly, I look to the team leaders for their input and motivation, and I look for my opportunities to contribute to the whole by always being prepared.  All of these things make me a great candidate for your team. 

What makes me different from other recruits in character, athletics and academics?  The same attributes  that makes me a good candidate for your team are the same things that makes me different from other recruits in character, athletics and academics.  As I stated before, I was taught to always give my best at everything in life.  Not by just feeling things out, going with the crowd, or following public opinion, but by following a set of core values and beliefs.  I know that by being true to who I am and projecting a positive attitude and working hard in all aspects of my life, it will carry over in my character, athletics, and academics.   My character is not only a reflection of me but of those that have invested time and resources in me.  My character will follow and serve me and others the rest of my life and I understand that.  Athletics provides me the opportunity to contribute as a team member through my individual effort.   It allows me to share my talents and capabilities, through development and direction, along with those around me in our pursuit of a common goal – winning.  Academics are the foundation of which I build my future.  My mother has always stressed to me the importance of education and academics and I thrive on learning.  I understand the importance of character, athletics, and academics, and how each builds upon or relates to the other in my development and identity as an athlete but most importantly as a young man.  I know that by having that understanding and bringing that to a program truly make me different than your average recruit.

Within my High School years I have participated not only in Football but also in Wrestling and Track and Field.  During my freshman year I was named the “Tiger of the Year” and received accolades from my football coaches and my teammates.   I have played football through my entire high school years and my hopes are to be able to play collegiate level.   As I mentioned I have also been part of the Grissom High School Wrestling Team.   As a wrestler I have competed in numerous Local, City and State level competitions throughout the years receiving numerous medals and recognition.  I recently place 1st place in the City Tournament and 7th in the State Level Championships in 2015.