4-star DL Gabriel Harris details his commitment to Georgia

Gabriel Harris was at one time committed to Florida State. The four-star defensive lineman out of Valdosta (Ga.) re-opened his recruitment last June and he has had his eye on the Bulldogs since.

Kirby Smart and Georgia was the first school to offer the No. 145 prospect in the On3 Consensus when he was a freshman. Harris has visited Athens more than any other college town since his recruitment started and the 6-foot-4, 255-pounder has added his name to Georgia’s commitment list.

“Georgia has been on my radar for a while and it was time to go ahead and commit to them,” Harris told On3. “I actually made my decision on my last visit to Georgia back in March. I just felt it. After I saw practice and spent time with the coaches, I just felt at home.

“I was already high on Georgia, then after that visit, I knew Georgia was where I wanted to be.”

Florida, Florida State, and some others were being considered, but he has been leaning towards the national champions for some time.

“I am close with the coaches, the players, and everyone at Georgia. It feels like family each time I am up there. They always make it fun, they welcome me like I am family, and this has been on my mind for a while.

“They had some coaching changes, but once I got to know the new coaches, I knew that was it for me.”

Harris has bonded with the coaches in Athens

Chidera Uzo-Diribe is Harris’ lead recruiter. He took over for Dan Lanning once he took over as the Oregon head coach. The transition was easy for Harris.

“I like coach Diribe a lot,” Harris said. “He is a great guy, a very good coach, and he has a lot of energy. Since he took over recruiting me, he has hit me up every day. He has not missed one day. We talk about a lot of different things and he has really gotten to know me.

“I liked coach Lanning a lot, but coach Diribe came in and made it an easy move. He is really good and we have a great relationship.”

Smart has connected with Harris too. They are from the same part of the state, they have gotten to know each other over the years, and Harris knows Smart will get the best out of him.

“When I committed to coach Smart, he was excited, but it was about me getting to work. What I love most about coach Smart is how he is raw and does not sugar-coat anything. He told me as soon as I committed that it would not be easy and that he would push me hard when I get to Georgia. That is what I want.

“I know going to Georgia will make me better and that they will get the best out of me.”

Smart’s attitude, drive to work, and will to win has Harris excited about being a Bulldog.

“I know what I want and Georgia has it all. They work hard, they compete, they win, and to be the best, I know Georgia is where I need to be. Georgia can get me to the NFL, and that is my ultimate goal.”