:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7708233/tim_harris.0.jpg)
Tim Harris
Position: Defensive Back
Hometown (School): Richmond, VA (Varina)
Height/Weight: 6'2'' 188 lbs
Committed to Virginia: 4/14/12
Lead Recruiter: Jim Reid
Tim Harris was one of Virginia's top targets for 2013, and they were able to get him on board early. Harris became the Hoos' 4th commitment for the cycle, giving his verbal pledge to Mike London right after the Spring Game in April. The Varina star was hotly pursued by national powers, like Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee and others. Despite Harris' initial concerns after Virginia's recent staff overhaul, he stuck with his pledge and signed with the Cavaliers. Harris is a consensus 4-star prospect, one of the highest-rated in Virginia's class.
Harris is a big, rangy athlete who projects as a safety at the next level. Like other commits UVa has added to the secondary this year, Harris should benefit from the aggressive blitzing schemes of new Defensive Coordinator Jon Tenuta. Blitzing more linebackers will allow for more potential turnovers to be had in the secondary, and players like Harris and Malcolm Cook that can cover a lot of ground will be a problem for opposing quarterbacks.
Late in the cycle, North Carolina and Virginia Tech made runs at Harris. Hoping to capitalize on Virginia's coaching staff upheaval, UNC got Harris to commit to visiting Chapel Hill. Mike London was able to convince Harris to stick with the Cavaliers, and the visit to Chapel Hill never took place. Harris was sold on sticking with UVa after meeting with Jon Tenuta, and his new lead recruiter, Tom O'Brien. Harris has a great chance to play in 2013. With Virginia's changing defense and nobody really entrenched at the safety position, Harris will have every opportunity to come in and play right away. Harris also helps Virginia's roots at Richmond football power Varina grow deeper. With Maurice Canady, Harris and Tyrell Chavis now on the roster, as well as Jonathan Lewis on the coaching staff, UVa has great connections with one of the Commonwealth's talent hotbeds.