Multi-position player is latest recruit
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BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
Eric Harper’s verbal commitment this week to accept Nebraska’s football scholarship offer surprised even those who follow recruiting closely.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Harper, a multi-position player from Marrero, La., generally flies under the national recruiting radar. He reportedly was recruited by the Huskers as a weakside defensive end.
Assuming he honors his commitment to NU, Harper will arrive in Lincoln under some unusual circumstances.
At 19, Harper has exceeded the age limit to play in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, but he is qualified academically to receive an NCAA scholarship and can do so once he earns his high school diploma this winter, according to Billy North, Harper’s head coach at Ehret High School.
“All he has to do is graduate,” North told the New Orleans Times- Picayune. “He’s only been in high school for three years. He’s going to graduate in December, and he’ll be on the Nebraska campus in January.”
Harper, who played seven positions in 2006 and earned All-Metro honors from the Times-Picayune as a linebacker, becomes the 15th player known to have committed to Nebraska’s 2008 recruiting class.
In selecting Nebraska, Harper reportedly turned down scholarship offers from Texas A&M, Louisiana Tech, Tulane and Mississippi State. Husker defensive line coach Buddy Wyatt played the lead role in Harper’s recruitment.
Harper committed to Nebraska without visiting Lincoln. He said he liked Nebraska’s tradition and commitment to academics.
Harper, who boasts 4.68-second speed in the 40-yard dash, played linebacker, defensive end and also was used at strong safety, tight end, wide receiver, running back, quarterback and as a kick returner.
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
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