Grambling State University’s Tiger football team continues to send student-athletes to the National Football League. Former GSU defensive end Eric Harper has signed a free-agent contract with the Oakland Raiders.
Harper, a New Orleans native, worked hard to get the scouts’ attention. He was very pro-active.
“I had my own You Tube video and highlight film,” said Harper, “I sent out as much as possible to the scouts and also got some great help from people, who believed in me.
It was an anxious time for Harper during the draft, but the Raiders contacted Harper and discussed a possible contract.
“The Raiders originally wanted to take me in the seventh round,” said Harper. “They told me that even if I did not get drafted they were going to invite me to the rookie mini-camp.”
Although Harper was elated that the Raiders invited him to the mini-rookie camp, he knew that this was just an opportunity and that there was a long road ahead of him.
“I had to tryout at the camp and give it all that I had in order to be offered a free agent contract,” he said.
“Coach Williams said that I needed to not only be prepared physically for the camp, but I also had to be prepared mentally. I dedicated myself to the weight room and working hard.”
Harper has officially signed his contract, and he knows that he must continue to work in order to make the team.
“This is a great opportunity, but now I have to work even harder to make the team in the fall,” said Harper.
“I want to not only make the team and do well for myself, but I want to show the league that we have some great talent at Grambling. I hope that this can open the door for some of my other teammates to get the same opportunity that I am getting,” explained Harper.