Brandon Harris Says He’s Staying at LSU

In the midst of all of sports punditry’s race to have hot taeks on Leonard Fournette’s status for the Citrus Bowl, there was a piece of interesting news, as LSU junior quarterback Brandon Harris announced intentions to be a part of the 2017 Tigers via twitter.

Harris, of course, came in 2016 as LSU’s incumbent under center, but lost the job to Danny Etling in week two and never really showed any signs of getting back in the lineup, even when Etling struggled mightily against Alabama.

Harris is, reportedly, on pace to graduate in May of ‘17, so he could easily change his mind and transfer as a graduate over the summer, and be immediately eligible. Still, with a new head coach and, at minimum, new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, the QB spot should have a fairly open competition this spring. It makes sense for Harris to ride things out through the spring and then re-evaluate his options.

That said, I’d be very surprised if he were able to overtake Etling. Harris has, by far, the stronger arm of the two, and better foot speed, but he never showed Etling’s ability to get through progressions, or poise in the pocket. Etling was even a smarter scrambler, and better at evading pass-rushers through open doors in the pocket. Still, if there’s one thing LSU can always use more of, its experienced quarterbacks, and here’s definitely wishing Harris best of luck in the coming competition and any future projects. He handled the entire situation this fall with complete class, and I would expect that to continue.