Mizzou gets late commitment from Harry Ballard III
The recruitment of Harry Ballard III has never matched up with the talent he posses. At 6-foot-2, 180 pounds Ballard can use his outstanding leaping ability to go up and get the ball whenever given the chance. Pair that with good strength, speed and hands and you have the makings of a dangerous target on the outside.
Unfortunately academics were holding Ballard back. After a lot of hard work he has them in line now and has committed to Mizzou. The plan is for the No. 7 ranked player from Missouri to be in Columbia this summer and making plays for the Tigers in 2016.
It all took a little longer than Ballard wanted, but in the end it is worth it for Florissant (Mo.) McCluer North wide receiver who announced his commitment tonight on Twitter.
“I’m just sitting back and relaxing now that it’s all over with. It’s been very hard knowing there was a possibility that I would not be going D1 first. That I’d probably have to go [junior college],” he explained.
“I see all my St. Louis friend going D1 so I had to step up my game. I knew I could be like them if I put my head to it,” continued Ballard. “I’m taking six core classes right now and I’ve been getting A’s and B’s in all my classes since the end of my sophomore year. I will be fully qualified.”
Ballard had just gotten off the phone with Cornell Ford when PowerMizzou.com caught up with the most recent commit. The two talked about what the No. 90 ranked wide receiver in America making an immediate impact at Missouri.
“I’m trying to come in and make big plays. That’s what I always do. I’m going to try and be a program changer. [Ford] is looking forward to me playing right away. I told him that’s what I’m coming for,” explained Ballard. “It’s very exciting. I’m fixing to make some big plays. This offense is going to make a lot of plays. It’s going to be exciting. It’s going to be a fun year.”
For a while it looked like Ballard might be leaning more towards Iowa State, but when Mizzou started showing some renewed interest lately the draw of playing close to home was too much. That and the chance to play with some friends like current Tiger Cam Hilton and fellow class of 2016 prospect Jerod Alton.
Barry Odom had yet to speak with Ballard tonight when PowerMizzou.com spoke with the newest Tiger. The last time they spoke was when Odom was in the running for the Mizzou head coach job.
“He said he would probably get the job,” said Ballard. “He told me all along that he was going to recruit me if he did.”
Now all of Ballard’s attention will turn to finishing up his senior year on a high not.
“Just finishing up strong in the classroom,” he said. “When we get off the phone I’m going to get some studying in.”
Ballard retook the ACT recently and said he feels good about how he did on his latest attempt. He had a qualifying score already, but was trying to improve it due to sliding scale with GPA. Ballard said his GPA is no longer a problem and he plans to sign his NLI later in the semester.
PowerMizzou.com will continue to follow the situation around Harry Ballard III closely and bring Tiger fans updates as we get them. He is the 20th member of the 2016 class for Rivals.com, but Ballard will not count towards class rankings until he officially signs.
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