The eighth in a collection that includes newcomers to the Arkansas soccer workforce

After former Joe T. Robinson standout E’Marion Harris formally inked his nationwide letter of intent with Arkansas in December throughout his signing-day ceremony, one of many first issues his highschool soccer coach Todd Eskola disclosed to the big crowd of supporters was how particular he felt his prized recruit was.

A number of months later, the 6-7, 362-pound offensive lineman acquired an opportunity to point out his Razorback teammates simply how distinctive he actually is when he suited up for spring practices.

“Issues have gone fairly good your entire time I’ve been up right here,” mentioned Harris, who’s been on the Arkansas campus since January after enrolling early. “Nicely truly, it’s going nice. Every little thing has gone easy, exercises have been going good.

“[Coaches] have been getting us proper, getting us prepared for the season.”

For Harris, soccer preparation happened as naturally as respiratory throughout his overly dominant, four-year profession at Robinson, and that hasn’t modified since he’s been with the Razorbacks.

He was provided a scholarship from powerhouse Alabama earlier than he turned a youngster, however that was just the start. Harris was 13 when he performed his first varsity soccer recreation, holding his personal in opposition to a workforce three classifications increased.

Since that preliminary 2018 outing, issues solely acquired higher.

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A who’s who of Energy 5 applications, like defending nationwide champion Georgia, Miami, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Tennessee all vied for Harris, who was a member of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s All-Arkansas Preps workforce in every of his remaining three years with the Senators. However when it was all mentioned and achieved, the consensus 4-star sort out selected the identical college the place his father, Elliott, as soon as starred in the course of the early 2000s.

“They only saved involved with me,” Harris mentioned of the Arkansas teaching employees. “They handled me like household. Plus, they’re getting linemen into the [NFL], and that’s what I’m attempting to do. They imagine in me, and I imagine in them.”

Harris, who additionally famous that Razorbacks followers could be shocked to know the way good he’s at enjoying video video games, did admit that he has skilled just a few believe-it-or-not moments since he’s been in Fayetteville.

After not permitting a sack and grading out at 87% throughout his senior yr, he anticipated his exercises being powerful at Arkansas, which is why he mentally ready himself beforehand. What he did discover nearly instantly was how passionate Razorbacks Coach Sam Pittman actually is.

That, in flip, sort of took him off guard.

“You know the way folks see Coach Pittman when he’s on TV?” Harris requested. “That’s how he’s in particular person. … He’s intense. That’s one of many issues that’s stood out to me. Like, I knew the exercises have been going to be onerous, weren’t going to be straightforward.

“[Workouts] are simply manner totally different than a highschool exercise. However none of that was stunning, it was what I used to be anticipating. I feel I’ve adjusted fairly properly, although.”

Changes have been instrumental for Harris, who’ll discover himself in uncharted waters with the Razorbacks. Whereas he was normally the most important particular person on the sphere throughout his time with the Senators, he’ll not maintain that distinction whereas enjoying within the SEC. Arkansas, alone, has six others on its roster that stand at the least 6-6 – 4 of whom are offensive linemen.

Nonetheless, Harris doesn’t appear to be phased. His mentality from highschool to school hasn’t modified, both. If something, it’s been reinvigorated by the chance to showcase his skills in probably the greatest, if not one of the best, NCAA Division I conferences within the nation.

“My expectations for myself, proper now, is simply attempting to be one of the best model of myself,” he mentioned. “I need to attempt to get a beginning job, attempt to get on the sphere. However onerous work comes with that, and that’s what I’ve acquired to proceed doing.”

E’Marion Harris at a look

CLASS Freshman

POSITION Offensive lineman

HEIGHT/WEIGHT 6-7, 362 kilos

HOMETOWN Little Rock

HIGH SCHOOL Joe T. Robinson

NOTEWORTHY Helped lead Robinson to Class 4A titles in 2019 and 2021. … Began 58 video games throughout his profession with the Senators. … Rated a four-star prospect by ESPN and Rivals. … Recorded 61 tackles, together with 28 for losses, and compelled two fumbles whereas additionally enjoying on the line of defense as a senior. … Held scholarship presents from a number of NCAA Division I colleges, together with Alabama, Georgia, Nebraska, Missouri and Mississippi State.