Murray State University Athletics
Harper Signs Free Agent Deal With Packers
4/30/2008 5:00:00 AM | Football
Former Murray State wide receiver Rod Harper has signed a free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers.
"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."
"We are very excited for Rod; he has worked very hard and certainly has the tools to compete at the next level," said head coach Matt Griffin. "Rod has great character and for him to have the opportunity to play for one of the greatest franchises in the NFL is a great fit."
Harper played the last three season's for the Racers and leaves the program as one of the most prolific pass catchers in the program's history. The Bradenton, Fla. native ended his three-year career with 128 receptions for 1,653 yards and 20 touchdowns. He ranks in the career Top-10 list for receptions (3rd), touchdowns (3rd) and yards (6th). He ended his career by catching at least one pass in 26-straight games.
Harper enjoyed his greatest success during the 2007 season when he grabbed 57 balls for 779 yards and 10 touchdowns. The numbers ranked him third in the OVC in receptions a game and yards a game, while tieing for the league lead in touchdowns. He put together three-straight 100-yard receiving games against Lambuth (127), Tennessee Tech (124) and Jacksonville State (114), and nearly added a fourth 100-yard game later in the season as he finished the UT Martin game with 99 yards.
Harper honed his skills at Southeast High school where he had 50 catches for 850 yards and 12 touchdowns before playing his freshman year at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College.
