Offseason offers: Under-the-radar seniors earn Power 5 opportunities

Glades Central's Robert Harris and Palm Beach Gardens' Naivyan Cargill have earned the recognition they fought for in the fall just in time for National Signing Day.

Last season, Harris and Cargill were included on the Palm Beach Post's list of the county's most underrecruited seniors.

After leading their teams to the playoffs and years of being overlooked despite stuffing the stat sheet, both athletes earned Power 5 offers within the last week.

More Offers: Offseason Offers: Louisville in the cards for Pahokee freshman quarterback Austin Simmons

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Hidden gems shine in the Muck

Harris was offered by Boston College last Wednesday, a "last minute" find of the Eagles' defensive line assistant coach Michael Cibene who admired his ability "to play anywhere in a defense."

"The process was a good one. Coach Cibene is making me feel like family already and I haven't even met him in person yet," Harris said, having met associate head coach and defensive backs coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim at an in-home visit Tuesday evening.

The Raiders' coaching staff – former head coach Rashad Jackson and interim Rick Jackson – both echoed his talent and work ethic throughout the season, calling him "the standard" and "the best cornerback in the area" when Harris was chosen at the Post's Athlete of the Week.

"Coach Jackson and all the coaches played a big role in helping me get to where I'm at now as a player and a young man – I couldn't be more thankful," Harris said.

Studying film "like a college or NFL player" has paid off as Harris now has the opportunity to join the Muck's long list of football greats.

"Getting a Power 5 offer is such a blessing. It feels good to be able to play at the next level and put on for my city," Harris said, sharing that he was happy to know his mom could get the chance to see him play on TV.

Boston College also offered 2023 Glades Central wide receiver Robert Luckas and Pahokee defensive end DeeJay Holmes Jr. , a nominee for the Post's defensive player of the year.

The power in Palm Beach Gardens

Illinois thought the talent in Palm Beach County was so nice, they had to come through and see it twice.

Standing at 6-foot-6, weighing 215 pounds, it's hard to imagine one could miss Palm Beach Gardens' Naivyan Cargill.

Luckily, Illini defensive coordinator Ryan Walters caught wind of the offensive player of the year nominee, offering him for his skill set and ability to spread the field on Tuesday.

Cargill played at receiver, tight end, and outside linebacker last season. Cargill led the Gators in receiving yards, catching 35 passes for 506 yards and three touchdowns. In the trenches, Cargill posted two interceptions, adding 55 tackles and three sacks.

"Knowing that I was overlooked by many schools, it's a humbling experience – but now that I was given this opportunity, I have the chance to put my family in a better situation and show these schools they were wrong for passing up on me," Cargill said.

Following Cargill's offer, Walters, along with head coach Bret Bielema and wide receivers coach George McDonald, made another stop in Palm Beach Gardens to visit Dwyer High.

Three-star edge Kerrington Lee and athlete Xavier Scott were also extended an opportunity to join the Fighting Illini.

It was the Super 11 athlete's second Power 5 offer after Pitt last January.

Now, Illinois has offered a total of 11 athletes from Palm Beach County in hopes of fielding its first winning team in almost a decade.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County recruiting: Under-the-radar seniors earn Power 5 offers