The college football recruiting landscape was rocked on Saturday as coveted 4-star safety Tae Harris flipped his commitment from ACC power Clemson to Georgia Tech. The Cedartown, GA native, ranked as the No. 48 overall prospect and No. 4 safety in the class of 2025 by ESPN, delivered a major boost to coach Brent Key and the Yellow Jackets with his surprise decision.
Harris, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound defensive stalwart, had been committed to Clemson since March after initially pledging to Georgia in June 2023. However, after an eye-opening visit to Atlanta for the Yellow Jackets’ thrilling 30-29 victory over NC State on Thursday night, the elite DB prospect had a change of heart.
A Game-Changing Addition for Georgia Tech
Landing a talent of Harris’ caliber is a monumental win for Georgia Tech as they look to rise in the competitive ACC. Insiders close to the program raved about the safety’s potential impact:
“Tae is an absolute game-changer. His range, instincts, and physicality are off the charts. He has the ability to come in and make an immediate impact from day one. This is huge for Coach Key and the direction of Georgia Tech football.”
– Georgia Tech Staff Member
The commitment of Harris, Georgia’s ninth-ranked overall prospect, gives the Yellow Jackets six ESPN 300 pledges in their 2025 class – the most in program history. He joins fellow elite defenders like 4-star DT Christian Garrett and CB Dalen Penson in what’s shaping up to be a special group on that side of the ball.
Building Momentum in Atlanta
Fresh off clinching bowl eligibility in back-to-back seasons, Coach Key is making serious waves on the recruiting trail. Nabbing a talent like Harris from Clemson is the kind of statement that reverberates across the college football landscape.
With gifted offensive players like 4-star OT Josh Petty already in the fold, Georgia Tech is assembling an impressive foundation for the future. If they can finish strong with more commitments in the mold of Harris leading up to the December signing period, the Yellow Jackets will have the ACC buzzing.
What’s Next for the Prized Safety Recruit?
Now that Harris has made his big decision, the focus shifts to the next steps in his journey to The Flats. The talented DB indicated to those close to him that he plans to:
- Make his commitment official during the early signing period (Dec. 4-6)
- Actively recruit other elite prospects to join him at Georgia Tech
- Arrive on campus next summer ready to make an instant impact
Those who have seen Harris in action rave about his potential at the next level. An opposing coach who faced the star safety last season didn’t mince words in his scouting report:
“I haven’t seen a safety prospect with Tae’s combination of athleticism, intelligence and toughness in a long time. He’s the real deal. Georgia Tech got themselves a special one.”
– Opposing High School Coach
A Transformational Recruit for the Yellow Jackets
In the world of college football recruiting, landing a prospect like Tae Harris has the potential to alter the trajectory of a program. For Georgia Tech, securing the commitment of the 4-star safety over a perennial powerhouse like Clemson sends a resounding message that the Yellow Jackets are ready to compete with the ACC’s elite.
As Coach Key and his staff work diligently to elevate Georgia Tech football, difference-makers like Harris will be essential to actualizing that vision of sustained success. Yellow Jacket fans have every reason to be excited about the future with this game-changing commitment.
The Tae Harris recruitment saga may have taken some twists and turns, but it ultimately ends with the coveted safety bringing his immense talents to The Flats. And for Georgia Tech faithful, that’s cause for major celebration as a new era of Yellow Jacket football takes flight.
