2017 WR Hunter Harris prepped for breakout season

All Detroit Loyola does is win games, winning a total of 59 games, and losing just five since 2010. The Bulldogs have also been to three straight Division 7 state title games, finally winning one last season. And still, Loyola often doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Even all of the talent that Loyola has had over the years has been overlooked a bit, but sophomore wide receiver, Hunter Harris, hopes to end that trend.

The 6-2, 187-pounder was a key component in helping Loyola capture it's first state title in school history, something not too many sophomores can say they have done.

"Winning a state championship was such a blessing," Harris said. "To be apart of that team, and help provide for the win was amazing. I am very proud and humble of that accomplishment. Having the experience to play at Ford Field was big."

Hunter started at wide out for the Bulldogs, but didn't see much action out there on the field, as Loyola likes to run the more than 90% of the time. But rather than take the easy way out and complain, Harris uses it to his advantage. Wide receivers do more than just catch the ball, and Harris realized that. He caught 13 balls, for 110 yards, and one touchdown as a junior.

"Honesty, at first, it was very much so frustrating not getting the ball," Harris said. "I feel like I can show off my skill sets, and impact a game blocking. But through the season, I matured, and understood that it's all not always about, and it's a team effort."

With Loyola running the ball so much, Harris has become an excellent blocker in the run game, and is also a track star. He's on the varsity track team, and helped his team win the Catholic League C-D Division track and field championships on Wednesday, with Harris leading the way. Harris won the victors in several events, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 4x4 relay. If football doesn't work out for Harris, he can always run track in college with his speed.

"Honestly, I see more of a future in football, than track," said Harris. "But track has been beneficial for me. Track has helped me a lot, getting me where I am today with my speed, and networking. That's how I met Bailey Edwards, Matt Falcon, and Daelin Hayes."

Edwards, Falcon, and Hayes are some of the top track and field athletes in the state, and well as elite football players. They each have a handful of offers or more, while Hunter is still searching for some more exposure and success on the field. His recruitment hasn't gotten off to the start he has hoped it would, but is optimistic that it will in due time. Harris said he has heard from a few schools, which is promising.

"I have been very much under the radar so far," he said. "The process has been slow, but so far I've talked to Michigan State, Western Michigan, and Michigan came to see me, but nothing really big has happened yet.

"I deal with it positively, knowing that my time is coming, and to remain working hard, and staying humble."

Harris hopes to hear from more schools like Ohio State, Tennessee, Purdue, Bowling Green, and hopes to hear more from Michigan and Michigan State. The summer camp season is huge fror players like Harris, who are looking to get their name out there.

"I am going to start my camp season off at Sound Mind Sound Body, to get my name out around the other big name people," said Harris. "I just want to show them my speed, and athleticism, and how I can be coachable."

The season is also huge for Harris, who want to prove that he can perform well not only at a camp setting, but on the actual field as well. He should see an even bigger role in Loyola's offense this year, as they are expected to open up the play book a bit to allow Harris to show what he has, as their completion level toughens up a bit as well.

"I am very excited about the upcoming season," Harris said. "I feel like this year will put Loyola on the map, playing Orchard Lake and De La Salle, and I am also very excited about Loyola opening up the offense more. I feel I can now show the state my skill set, and what I am capable of."