John Thomas (JT) Giles-Harris made news late this summer when he earned a starting spot cornerback for tristate power and nationally ranked St. Joseph’s Regional of Montvale.
That came after Giles-Harris had already established himself as a major Division I recruit during a summer in which he performed well at several showcase events, including Maverik Showtime National Recruiting Spotlight, where the rangy, skilled, speedy, agile, athletic, shutdown defender made the Class of 2016 all-star game.
After narrowing his college choices to three — Duke, Maryland and Syracuse — Giles-Harris verbally committed to Duke University, a verbal reported Monday, Oct. 7 by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
A native of Nyack, N.Y., the 5-foot-9, 170-pound Giles-Harris is a righty
Giles-Harris’ brother, Joe, is also a football standout (as a linebacker) at St. Joseph’s and is being recruited by — guess who? — Duke, as well as Rutgers, among other D-I programs. Could the Giles-Harris brothers be football teammates at Duke if JT walks on to that squad while playing lacrosse? Stay tuned.
Now, here’s a Q&A with JT on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The academics of each school, post collegiate options and the athletics of the school.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I was also considering Maryland, Syracuse, Ohio State and Virginia.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I would say my athleticism and vision are strengths. I would also say I play fast, aggressive and smart. I also compete at everything I do, giving me an extra edge.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
I would say I need to work on my game as a whole striving to get better at every aspect.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I was introduced to lacrosse in third grade by a friend who convinced my parents to try it out instead of baseball. I also play football and basketball.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I play for Prime Time Lacrosse. I participated in the Moonlight Showcase, Nike Blue Chip, MVP and Maverik Showtime.
Any final thoughts?
I would like to thank especially (Maryland Head) Coach (John) Tillman and (Maryland Assistant) Coach (Kevin) Conry of Maryland allowing me to visit and being so courteous to me. I would also like to thank (Prime Time Director) Nick Daniello for giving me the opportunities to participate in showcases to get my skills noticed. I would also like the thank Kevin O’Sullivan and Tony Haggerty for coaching me as a youth player and making me better than most at that age.
Have a recruiting commitment to report? Email us at info@laxlessons.com or joe@laxlessons.com or send a Tweet to @Joe_Lombardi or @LaxLessons.
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Posted In: Hudson Valley, New Jersey lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown