Local Harrison spurns UNLV for Missouri

Recruiting can be unpredictable, and it was just that for UNLV on Tuesday.

A day after saying he was leaning toward signing with the Rebels, former Palo Verde High School standout Jarrell Harrison committed to Missouri. He will make it official with the Tigers today when the early signing period for junior college players begins.

Harrison signed with UNLV as a quarterback in 2005 but failed to qualify academically. He then went to City College of San Francisco and switched to safety.

He appeared poised to return home but said he couldn't pass up the chance to play Big 12 Conference football.

"I thought long and hard, and I felt this was the best decision," said Harrison, rated a three-star safety by Rivals.com. "It wasn't anything anybody said to me. I felt this was the better opportunity for me as far as getting to the next level (NFL) with the top-notch talent."

He would have been a valuable pickup for the Rebels, who need help at safety. But the 6-foot-2-inch, 210-pound Harrison couldn't resist moving to Missouri with junior college teammate Joshua Tatum.

Harrison announced his decision on a local radio show but called Rebels cornerbacks coach Mike Bradeson before going on the air.

"I have a lot of respect for those coaches. I wish them the best of luck," Harrison said.

UNLV is expected to sign two junior college players today -- cornerbacks Kenny Brown (5-9, 180) of College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Calif., and Warren Ziegler (6-1, 180) of College of San Mateo (Calif.).