2008 Woodie Awards
Former Racer signs with Packers
OVC Alumnus', represented at NFL Draft
Issue date: 5/2/08 Section: Sports
|
Contributing writer
After spending his college career wearing Murray State blue and gold, former
Racer football player Rod Harper is one step closer to sporting a new uniform - a Green Bay packer outfit.
Although Harper, a 6-foot-1-inch wide receiver, went undrafted in Saturday's NFL draft, the former Murray State offensive standout quickly signed a free agent contract with the Packers, according to a press release sent out Wednesday.
The draft had millions of football fans glued to the television to watch one of the most anticipated events in professional sports.
"I was excited when they gave me the news," Harper said. "I wasn't really aware of what was happening at first. As time went on I became aware that I was becoming a part of one greatest teams in the NFL."
Harper, who played wide receiver for the Racers, finished his career with 128 catches for 1,653 yards and 20 touchdowns. He ranks among Murray State's top 10 in receptions, touchdowns and yards.
After ending his historical Racer career, Harper said he hopes what he learned on the grass of Roy Stewart Stadium will help him land a spot on the official Packer roster.
"They called me in the seventh round before the draft ended after they traded their last pick to the Saints, so that made me feel good," Harper said. "One of their scouts told me I had a great chance of making the team. There are going to be about nine receivers in camp and they figure to keep six, so I like that situation. They run a West Coast-type offense similar to what we did at Murray State, which is best for me. When they called, I jumped at the chance and told my agent that's where I wanted to go."
Harper was not the only former Ohio Valley Conference player represented in the 2008 NFL draft.
Tennessee State University's Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was selected No. 16 overall by the Arizona Cardinals.
According to NFL Draft experts, Cromartie could be the answer the Cardinals have been looking for to help them get over their playoff woes. Experts predict he will be a starter heading out of training camp and be able to contribute immediately on the Cardinals defense and special teams.
Also representing the OVC in this year's draft was Eastern Kentucky University's Antwaun Molden, who was selected in the third round as the 79th overall pick by the Houston Texans.
Experts say Molden's performance at the NFL Combine was a key reason he was drafted as high as he was.
At the Combine Molden was the leader or near the top, in almost every agility test performed.
Matthew Middlebrooks can be reached at matthew.middlebrooks@murraystate.
edu.
Be the first to comment on this story