Super 16: Harrison joins a loaded defensive backfield at Lakeland
It's no secret that Kathleen and Lakeland High fans harbor one of the most intense rivalries in the state.
So what happens when one of Kathleen's best players decides to turn in the K on his helmet for an L?
Shadarian Harrison will find that out when the teams play on Oct. 28, but the heavily-recruited defensive back really doesn't mind what the community thinks because in the end it's about what is best for him.
It also doesn't mean that Harrison, the No. 5 pick on this year's Ledger Super 16 list, will forget from where he started his blossoming football career.
No. 16: Super 16: LCS's T.C. Bell looking to build on stellar junior season
No. 15: Super 16: Tank Johnson anxious to fit into new role with Lakeland
No. 14: Super 16: Marlon McClendon is an anchor for Victory Christian defense
No. 13: Super 16: Late-bloomer Redding burst on football scene as DB prospect
No. 12: Super 16: Idris King looks to set the bar even higher at Lakeland
"Of course going out there is going to feel weird," Harrison said about the upcoming matchup. "The vibe is going to be different just based on the fact that Kathleen and Lakeland are such a rivalry. I love Kathleen. They did a lot for me. It was nothing personal."
Harrison wasn't the only highly-touted football player to switch to Lakeland High this year as he joined an immensely talented defensive backfield with fellow transfers Tank Johnson (Auburndale) and Cormani McClain (Lake Gibson).
Combine those three with the existing talent already at Lakeland and it's easy to see why Lakeland is a heavy preseason playoff favorite.
"We all work together as a unit first and foremost," Harrison said of his new teammates. "We have a bunch of dogs that want to go out and do it, and we have the depth of players that can perform on the same level as the next person. It makes us all play on our toes, and be more sharp. It's not just because of the next person, but at practice there's a lot of elite receivers too. That pushes us."
No. 11: Super 16: Lakeland's Dontay Joyner on uphill path to become a top DB
No. 10: Super 16: Lakeland's Larry Jones to play defensive end, linebacker
No. 9: Super 16: Lake Wales' Terrell James 'a nightmare from the edge'
No. 8: Super 16: Lakeland's Zipperer 'blows up' in spring to be breakout recruit
No. 7: Super 16: Lake Wales' Terrell James 'a nightmare from the edge'
No. 6: Super 16: Guerlens Milfort ready to put it all on the line for Lakeland in 2022
Lakeland defensive backs coach Jake Chapman had no problem extending the welcome mat for Harrison.
For the past three years, Chapman has had to gameplan around Harrison, who was a two-way star at quarterback and defensive back for Kathleen.
Now Chapman has Harrison under his tutelage, and he could not be happier.
"He's a great kid, a hard worker ... an athlete," Chapman said. "He did so much for Kathleen. I'm definitely glad he's over here with us. He brings so much to the table. When anybody comes over, it's a family thing. We welcome them with open arms. He's happy, he's excited and the whole secondary is truly excited."
Harrison is getting a lot of attention at defensive back, but he's listed as a 3-star athlete by rivals.com and has already verbally committed to Pittsburgh.
It's his athleticism that Lakeland head coach Bill Castle is really focused on despite not having seen a lot of Harrison in early practices.
"He's got good length and really good speed," Castle said. "He's working on defense right now, but as we get going he might play some wildcat quarterback for us. He's got the range that you're looking for, the height, good ball skills."
No. 5: Shadarian Harrison
School: Lakeland High
Position: Defensive back/athlete
Grade: Senior
Height, weight: 6-foot-2, 175 pounds
Colleges: 24 offers, but is committed to Pittsburgh. Other offers include Colorado, USF, Illinois, Iowa State, Louisville, Nebraska, Oregon State, Temple, Tennessee, Toledo, West Virginia and Vanderbilt.
The Ledger’s Super 16
Today is the 12th day in a 16-day series on Polk County’s top 16 college recruits heading into the 2022 prep football season. The list was developed by Ledger preps reporter Roy Fuoco with input from area coaches as well as national recruiting services. Check back each day for the countdown to No. 1.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Super 16: Harrison joins a loaded defensive backfield at Lakeland
