Michigan fourth-year junior receiver Drake Harris will finish his career elsewhere.
Another Michigan fourth-year junior is on the move.
Drake Harris, a once highly touted wide receiver prospect from Grand Rapids, announced Tuesday that he’ll play his fifth season of football at another school.
Harris played cornerback and wide receiver for Michigan this season as a reserve.
In a message posted to his Instagram account, Harris thanked former Michigan coach Brady Hoke and current coach Jim Harbaugh for the opportunity.
He also thanked his teammates, friends and family.
More: Michigan football’s Brandon Peters, Dylan McCaffrey enter QB spotlight
«To my teammates, friends, family, and fans, you never gave up on me and always allowed me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. If I️t wasn’t for you all, I️ wouldn’t be where I️ am today,» Harris wrote. «I️ will be continuing my football career elsewhere for my 5th year season. I️ will forever cherish my memories in the Big House and I️ will never forget the lessons and qualities that made me a Michigan man.»
After a headline-making recruitment that saw Harris – a two-sport athlete in high school – decommit from Michigan State and pledge to Michigan, things never really got off the ground for the former Grand Rapids Christian star.
More: Michigan football trending for Outback Bowl? One report says yes
A hamstring injury cost Harris his entire senior year of high school and lingered into his true freshman year at Michigan in 2014. He appeared to make strides early in Harbaugh’s first season of 2015, but once again battled various injuries.
Those injuries pushed Harris down the depth chart behind the likes of Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh and, eventually, Eddie McDoom, Kekoa Crawford and Grant Perry.
With a crowded wide receiver group entering 2017, Harris opted to give cornerback a try before the season started. The 6-foot-4 prospect never got into the rotation, though, and was eventually moved back to wide receiver to finish the season.
A dominant receiver in high school, Harris turned himself into one of the country’s top prospects back in 2012. As a sophomore in 2011, Harris made 57 catches for 1,018 yards.
The following year, he became one of only 12 players (at the time) nationally to surpass the 2,000-yard mark in the season, making 91 catches for 2,015 yards to lead Christian the Division 3 state title. His 243 receiving yards in that title game is a state record.
At U-M, though, the injuries never got out of the way.
Harris finished his Michigan career with nine receptions for 60 yards in 25 appearances. The Wolverines are expected to return their top nine pass catchers in 2018. Harris finished the season with one reception for 10 yards.
He’s the second Michigan player to announce a graduate transfer this week, as fourth-year junior quarterback Wilton Speight announced his decision Sunday .
U-M (8-4,5-4) is currently awaiting its bowl destination .
Contact Nick Baumgardner: nbaumgardn@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickBaumgardner. Download our Wolverines Xtra app for free on Apple and Android devices!
