UCF targets twins Andrew, Michael Harris to cap inaugural Big 12 football recruiting class

Chris Boyle, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·4 min read

UCF looks to put the finishing touches on its inaugural Big 12 football signing class Wednesday.

Targets are few, but quality could certainly make up for quantity as the Knights hope to reel in another pair of four-star athletes from their backyard.

During the early window in December, UCF secured its highest-ranked recruit ever in Osceola's All-American defensive lineman John Walker. Edge rushers Isaiah Nixon (Lakewood) and Kaven Call (Apopka), defensive backs Braeden Marshall (Lake Mary) and Jason Duclona (Estero), and wide receiver Tyree Patterson (Eustis) were among the group's headliners.

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According to 247Sports' composite rankings, UCF enters National Signing Day with the No. 56 class in the country for high school and JUCO athletes. Factoring in the transfer portal, the Knights drop down to 65th.

Here's a quick primer on where UCF stands on the recruiting front, for the 2023 class and beyond.

Andrew Harris (28) led Lake Brantley with 103 total tackles during his junior season.
Andrew Harris (28) led Lake Brantley with 103 total tackles during his junior season.

All eyes on the Harris twins

UCF's sole focus Wednesday is beating Maryland for the signatures of Lake Brantley's four-star linebackers Andrew and Michael Harris. The twins reopened their recruitment in December when defensive coordinator Travis Williams accepted the same position at Arkansas.

They starred at a pair of prestigious high school all-star games. Michael led all players in tackles at the Under Armour Next All-America Game, and Andrew was selected Defensive MVP at the Polynesian Bowl.

Michael Harris (19) totaled 48 tackles in six games for Lake Brantley. He also took the silver medal in the long jump at the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championships.
Michael Harris (19) totaled 48 tackles in six games for Lake Brantley. He also took the silver medal in the long jump at the FHSAA Class 4A track and field championships.

Maryland is viewed as the favorite, according to 247Sports' director of football recruiting Steve Wiltfong, but several sources close to the situation describe it as a true '50-50' split. A number of Knights' recruits took to social media this week during the Friday Knight Lights event petitioning for the twins to stay home, including early enrollees Call, Marshall, Duclona and Randy Pittman (Mosley).

Simpkins, Holmes heading elsewhere

Though a couple of notable names held the Knights in high regard throughout the recruiting process, it appears the team's work will be done once the Harris twins decide.

Miami Norland running back Javin Simpkins, formerly a Georgia Tech commit and an Under Armour Next All-American, said earlier this month that he was down to UCF and Michigan State. He totaled 1,027 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior for the Vikings.

The Knights' running back room is crowded, with RJ Harvey, Johnny Richardson, Demarkcus Bowman and Jordan McDonald all expected to have roles in 2023. It's not expected that the Knights will take another running back, despite the exits of Isaiah Bowser (graduation) and Anthony Williams (transfer to Stephen F. Austin).

DeeJay Holmes was once viewed as a priority edge target for UCF, but he is set to sign elsewhere.
DeeJay Holmes was once viewed as a priority edge target for UCF, but he is set to sign elsewhere.

Interest appears to have cooled on Pahokee's DeeJay Holmes, though he was once viewed as a priority target. UCF flipped Lakewood's Isaiah Nixon from Florida in December, and also signed Call.

Holmes totaled 117 tackles (46 solo), 27.5 TFLs, 32.5 sacks, 41 quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries for Pahokee, and he earned All-Area honors from the Palm Beach Post. He holds offers from Colorado and Vanderbilt among others.

Lincoln's Robinson joins 2024 class

New linebackers coach Ernie Sims secured his first commitment, plucking a player from his hometown of Tallahassee.

Sam Robinson, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound junior at Lincoln, committed to the Knights on Saturday afternoon. He joins Wekvia defensive lineman Sincere Edwards in the Knights' 2024 class.

Robinson, one of the notable Friday Knight Lights attendees, totaled 93 tackles, three TFLs and two fumble recoveries while playing alongside Georgia signee Raylen Wilson with the Trojans. He collected offers from Arkansas, Cincinnati, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Louisville, Maryland, Troy, Tulane and UAB during the evaluation period in January.

Who could be next?

UCF's 2024 class will likely start taking shape in the spring; the Knights enjoyed a big surge around Easter in building its inaugural Big 12 group of recruits.

Clearwater safety Jarvis Boatwright and Miami Columbus defensive lineman Daylen Russell listed the Knights within their respective top fives. Boatwright shined during UCF's 7-on-7 tournament in the summer, while Russell led the Class 4M state-champion Explorers in sacks.

Munroe defensive back Nehemiah Chandler appeared to take note of Robinson's commitment, and is strongly considering the Knights.

Other noteworthy UCF targets who spent the weekend in Orlando for junior day include Loganville (Ga.) Grayson center Waltclaire Flynn Jr., Evans defensive back Brandon Jacob, Olympia defensive back Jalon Thompson, Miami Norland edge rusher Jeremiah Marcelin, Blountstown defensive lineman Artavius Jones, Miami Jackson offensive tackle Raynor Andrews and Tampa Bay Tech running back Rod Gainey Jr.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: UCF football: Andrew, Michael Harris targeted for February signing period