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ASU Football: 2017 Will be N’Keal Harry’s Year

By Hunter Robinson

Sep 10, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver N'Keal Harry (1) celebrates a touchdown with tight end Kody Kohl (83) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver N'Keal Harry (1) celebrates a touchdown with tight end Kody Kohl (83) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a highly successful freshman campaign for ASU football, sophomore N’Keal Harry will have all eyes on him in 2017.

With Tim White gone, the ASU football program will be relying on Harry to become their top receiver in 2017. Harry’s speed and strength gives him the ability to step into that role with ease.

Depending on who the starting quarterback is for the Sun Devils, Harry could have an all Pac-12 season, or an all-American season. If a quarterback like Manny Wilkins is under center then expect Harry’s numbers to be only slightly heightened from last season’s. If a quarterback like Blake Barnett is under center then Harry’s number could take a big jump in 2017.

The difference in Harry’s numbers almost entirely has to do with the style of quarterback who will be throwing him the ball. If Wilkins is that man, a duel-threat quarterback who doesn’t have a huge arm and relies on his legs, then intuition will tell you that Harry won’t receive the ball as much, resulting in lower numbers.

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On the other hand, if Barnett gets the title of starting quarterback then Harry’s numbers could be among the best in the nation. Barnett is a pro-style quarterback who will stay in the pocket and will use his arm to connect with receivers and move the ball downfield.

The biggest thing for Harry’s second season will deal with where he tried to improve during the offseason. He already has size, any more muscle mass and he might lose some of his speed. The thing that Harry needs to work on during the offseason isn’t anything physically, but mentally. Harry needs to get his mind prepared to being the number one option on the team, something that may not seem like a big deal but if it isn’t prepared for correctly it could lead to a major disaster for ASU’s offense.

2017, the year of N’Keal Harry. That is how this upcoming season can be remembered for ASU, but it is up to the sophomore himself if that has a positive or negative connotation.

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