Crowell, off to Tuscaloosa to visit the Tide this weekend, is still set to announce his decision on National Signing Day. He is fluctuating between Alabama, Auburn, and Georgia, and it's anybody's guess what school he will choose on February 2nd.
However, the chances should markedly increase in Georgia's favor now that they've offered his friend, right? After all, isn't that how it works? Sign the brother, friend, cousin and you lock in the highly-touted recruiting prospect.
It worked with Alec Ogletree (Georgia signed his brother, Zander) and they've made concessions for Nathan Theus (hoping it leads to a commitment from his brother John)—at least that's what we have been led to believe.
Well, I'm not about to say I know the intentions of this coaching staff where Georgia's recruiting process is concerned, but I do know this:
- Georgia is thin at linebacker—Montez Robinson, Demetre Baker, and Marcus Dowtin were all released from their scholarships in 2010—and both Darryl Gamble and, possibly, Justin Houston will be gone in 2011. While Harrow doesn't have the body of an SEC linebacker (5'10, 190lbs), perhaps he gives the defensive staff the flexibility they need to make adjustments and plug holes now that key skill players have left the program.
- Scott Lakatos likes size and speed. Watch the film on Harrow (offered below), he was one of the quicker bodies in that Carver-Columbus secondary, and he is a solid tackler.
- Harrow has always been on Georgia's radar. He was in attendance at Dawgnight last year—along with Isaiah Crowell, Gabe Wright, Xzavier Dickson, and Damian Swann—he didn't just appear overnight.
- Harrow is a good player, but only recently qualified. His lack of offers has more to do with academics than talent.
All that said, the mere thought that Richt has suddenly gotten into the business of bringing in friends just to lockdown a premier talent is really a bit much. Even if true, Jarvis Jones (who transferred in last season) was already a major pull for Crowell—he said as much himself—so there was no need to arbitrarily offer Harrow if he wasn't a good fit.
Remember, last year, Georgia passed on quarterback Nash Nance—even though it meant losing his good friend Da'Rick Rogers to their SEC rival. Even more, people seem caught up in Harrow's lack of offers. Take a look back at both Michael Bennett and Hutson Mason, neither were getting much recruiting love from until late in the game—that means nothing.
In the end, if Crowell signs with Georgia, it's doubtful that Harrow will have much, if anything to do with it. Crowell will go wherever he pleases, and you can be sure that the coaching staff is well-aware of it.
On the other hand, if you still believe that this is just a desperate ploy by coach Richt to gain ground on a guy they have a better shot at losing late, than landing early, well, that's your prerogative. We'll all just have to wait and see.
Until then, here's some video of Georgia prospect, Quintavious Harrow. You be the judge—is he a potential loss of a scholly or a potentially solid player?
