The West Virginia Mountaineers are always searching for prolific offensive weapons and head coach Dana Holgorsen has has a lot of success finding them. He hasn’t led the Mountaineers to where they wanted to be, but there is potential to get there at some point in the near future. Continuing to build good recruiting classes and bringing in playmaking offensive options key to their future success.
Michael Harley is a wide receiver in the Mountaineers’ 2017 recruiting class. He may not be a household name yet, but he has the potential to become one at some point in the future.
Last season at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida, Harley put together enough of a season to be intriguing to many different schools. He caught 12 passes for 139 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers may not look amazing on paper to fans, but it was enough to convince West Virginia that he could be a big part of their program.
At 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds, Harley is a speedy wide receiver. That alone helps him fit within Holgorsen’s offense.
Harley picked West Virginia over quite a few other talented football programs. He also had offers from schools like Illinois, Miami, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri and South Carolina.
All of that being said, Harley took the time to sit down for an exclusive interview with our very own Evan Massey. We hope that you enjoy this interview and begin following along with Harley as he works to take the next step in his football career.
Q. What made you choose to commit to West Virginia? What were some of the main deciding factors?
Harley: West Virginia felt like home. I loved it there and I have a great relationship with everyone there.
Q. How would you describe your game in detail to a fan who hasn’t seen much of you?
Harley: I have top-notch speed and a I run great routes. I will go and catch everything thrown my way.
Q. How excited are you to play within Dana Holgorsen’s offensive system and what has he told you about your skill-set and how you fit into his offense?
Harley: I fit just right in the offense playing either the slot or wide. I can help on special teams in the kick and punt return game and coach Dana is a great coach and he loves me.
Q. What do you think are the best skills that you possess and what do you think you need to work on the most?
Harley: Keeping my eyes looking at the defender and getting stronger.
Q. What are your goals for your career at West Virginia?
Harley: I want to win a National Championship! And I also want to reach my full potential and I want to be an All-American and break records and then get drafted into the NFL after three or four years.
Q. Is there a current NFL or NCAA wide receiver that you would compare your game to?
Harley: Yeah, I’ll say Mario Alford, Antonio Brown and Jarvis Landry. Mario has quickness and speed. AB has footwork and nice routes. Jarvis is all-around and great hands.
Q. Who would you say has pushed you the most to get you to this point?
Harley: My parents and my childhood trainer.
Q. What would you like to say to the West Virginia fan base in closing?
Harley: I promise you guys that the Mountaineers and I will bring Morgantown a National Championship when I get there.
