The Preseason True Freshman All-American Team for 2023 was announced by 247Sports on Thursday, which included Florida’s young offensive tackle, [autotag]Knijeah Harris[/autotag].
Harris is the first Gator since Jason Marshall Jr., who came out of high school a Miami (Florida) Palmetto with a five-star rating, to be named to the team. The freshman out of the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, was only rated at three stars at the prep level but participated in the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game and started as a freshman in high school at St. Lucie West Centennial.
Chris Hummer of 247Sports offered the following scouting report on the rising lineman.
Initially a first-team fill-in during the spring for injured guard Micah Mazzccua, Harris has emerged as a threat to start even with Mazzccua back in the fold. A sizable interior presence at 6-foot-3, 325 pounds, Harris looks like a multi-year offensive line starter for the Gators. It’s a matter of when — not if — Harris emerges as a significant contributor for Florida this season.
According to Florida’s coaching staff, Harris is on the path to success thanks in large part to his preparation as a prep.
“Knijeah has been doing a really good job,” co-offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton said in April. “I think [IMG Academy] did a really good job of developing him.”
He has also impressed some of his new teammates as well, including fellow O-line warrior Kingsley Eguakun who is the de facto leader of that corps.
“Knijeah Harris is a real smart, talented kid,” Eguakun told Swamp247 at SEC Media Days. “You could tell from the first day.”
Florida opens its 2023 schedule on the road against the Utah Utes on Aug. 31, with a kickoff time of 8 p.m. EDT.
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