Vanderbilt lands a commitment from in-state 4-star CB Caden Harris: 'I love the trajectory of the program'

Brownsville (Tenn.) Haywood cornerback Caden Harris has committed to Vanderbilt over schools like Auburn, Georgia, Missouri and Notre Dame. The Commodores offered him early, they stayed consistent and it paid off for the SEC program in Nashville.

“They’ve always treated me as a top priority and built that relationship with me the right way,” Harris told On3. “After my freshman season, they offered and they have been recruiting me hard since. From our first conversation, from my first visit, I always felt the love. Before I had the other offers, stars and all that, Vanderbilt recruited me and wanted me.”

Notre Dame was the No. 2 school on Harris’ list. Georgia was communicating with him a lot this week too, but the No. 84 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking chose to stay home.

“I believe in their vision and I feel this program is headed in the right direction. I can go in and learn the system, pick up things from the guys in front of me and potentially see the field early too.

“Things are changing at Vanderbilt too. I have been there four or five times and I see the culture changing. Coach Lea is creating a great team and it is a great place to be. They are coming off a big season, I see big changes and I want to help them build something.”

Life after football helped the Commodores win this battle on the recruiting trail too. The degree at Vanderbilt was a factor too. As were the people.

“The whole staff has connected with me,” Harris said. “I got to know them all through the process. Coach, Richardson, coach Rice, coach Lea,… All of them.

“I would talk to them about football, but also about the education, the connections and what Vanderbilt could do for me after football. They can put me in a great position for success.

“I get to stay home, be an in-state kid that can put it on for my family and friends at Vanderbilt. Coach Lea is making big changes and I love the trajectory of the program.”