I am of the opinion that the results of bowl games beyond those in the Playoff are meaningless. They’re fun, and I’ll watch, but they have no bearing on what will happen to a team in the future. Perhaps it’s time I change my tune. According to 247 Sports, this game had recruiting stakes for Florida wide receiver Mike Harley.
Recruit said he’d make his college decision based on who wins the Russell Athletic Bowl
This would’ve been a lot of fun.
Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
“Miami and West Virginia play a bowl game, so I’m going to determine off of that,” Harley said on Friday night after winning a third consecutive state championship at St. Thomas Aquinas. “Whoever wins, that’s where I’m going. It’s about the coaches at the end of the day.”
But he followed that up with this:
The 247Sports Composite three-star has been committed to West Virginia since June, but plays his high school football in South Florida.
Our national recruiting analyst, Bud Elliott, agrees a bowl game shouldn’t impact his decision:
Mike Harley is a speedy slot receiver type who should thrive in West Virginia’s spread offense, which also happens to be where he is committed. This is a great way for Harley to get some recognition, but at the end of the day, he should make the choice that fits him the best, regardless of the result of a bowl. With visits planned to both schools in January, the impact of a bowl win will likely have worn off when it comes time to put pen to paper.
You can check out his highlight tape here.
