4-star DE Santana Harvey seeking to make his personal identify

The inevitable is not all the time comfy.

For Santana Harvey, it has turn into an expectation as his nationwide recruiting profile rises. The Lakeland (Fla.) Excessive College star, who made a big affect on this system’s state title look as a sophomore in 2024, is the son of former first-round NFL draft decide Derrick Harvey.

The category of 2027 standout after all performs the identical place, defensive finish, and he has already amassed double-digit scholarship provides to his identify. He continues to work so as to add extra for his personal skills at 6-foot-4, 228 kilos regardless of the elephant in every room recruiters stroll in.

“I get it loads however however I don’t prefer it,” Harvey mentioned of the comparisons along with his father. “I need to be myself. I actually don’t like evaluating myself to others, it’s not good. … In life you’re by no means supposed to match your self.

“I really feel like I’m being discredited that means.”

The rising-junior prep recruit has answered a number of questions in regards to the legacy standing, particularly following a recruiting journey to the College of Florida earlier this month. It is the place the elder Harvey was the nationwide championship sport MVP earlier than changing into a top-10 choice within the 2008 NFL Draft.

Santana took the journey along with his mom, who performs a bigger half within the four-star’s life at house and as a recruit.

“Shout out to my mother,” Harvey mentioned. “My mother helps me via it. It will get tense however she will get me to my visits and he or she performs a serious position.”

Harvey obtained one-on-one time with UF head coach Billy Napier whereas in Gainesville and got here away impressed with this system regardless of the legacy standing.

“They’re wanting nice!” he mentioned. “I really like all the things schematically and the teaching employees is nice!”

The Gators have but to hitch the provide listing for Harvey, however he took in a pair of video games in 2024 and continues to speak with the employees. Loads of main packages have jumped in with tenders, nevertheless, together with rival Florida State and Oklahoma in January.

The Energy 4 trio has his consideration early on.

“Every little thing recruiting smart goes properly up to now,” Harvey mentioned. “It’s simply getting began however after spring I’ll almost definitely have extra. Faculties that stand out in the mean time are Florida State, Oklahoma and Florida – particularly after the go to.

“I really like all the things they’re doing schematically with their edge rushers.”

Targeted on spring soccer however contemplating summer season unofficial visits thereafter, there’s a probability the provide listing pushes a lot greater as school packages swarm to one of many Sunshine State’s premiere packages.

“On the sphere I’m a swarm to the ball, see-ball kind of man,” Harvey mentioned. “Sacking the QB is my specialty. Additionally I’m a flexible edge rusher, I’m good within the run and move sport.

“I’m very bodily and I like to dominate the person in entrance of me for 4 quarters.”