Alan Harper (American football) facts for kids
| No. 98 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Defensive tackle |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | September 6, 1979 Fontana, California, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight: | 285 lb (129 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Fontana |
| College: | Fresno State |
| NFL Draft: | 2002 / Round: 4 / Pick: 121 |
| Career history | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
| Player stats at PFR | |
| Player stats at ArenaFan.com | |
Alan Stephen Harper (born September 6, 1979) is a former American football player. He played as a defensive tackle, a position where players try to stop the other team's offense. Alan Harper played for the New York Jets in the National Football League (NFL).
He also played college football for the Fresno State Bulldogs. The Jets chose him in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL draft.
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Early Life and High School Football
Alan Harper grew up in Fontana, California. He played high school football at Fontana High School, graduating in 1997.
In his senior year, 1996, he was recognized as one of the best players. He earned first-team honors in both the Citrus Belt League and Inland Valley. During that season, his team had a great record of 11 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie. Alan Harper made many tackles and sacks for his team.
Before Fontana High, he attended A. B. Miller High School for two years. There, he also received honors in the San Andreas League.
College Career at Fresno State
Harper played for the Fresno State Bulldogs from 1998 to 2001. He took a year off in 1997 to focus on his studies.
He was a standout player in college. He earned first-team All-WAC honors three times, in 1999, 2000, and 2001. In 2001, he was named the WAC Defensive Player of the Year. This award goes to the best defensive player in the conference.
Also in 2001, he was recognized nationally. The Sporting News named him a second-team All-American. This means he was one of the top college football players in the country.
Professional Football Career
New York Jets and NFL Europe
The New York Jets picked Alan Harper in the 2002 NFL draft. He was the 121st player chosen overall. He signed with the team in July 2002.
He spent time on both the Jets' main roster and their practice squad. The practice squad allows players to train with the team. In 2004, he was sent to NFL Europe to play for the Scottish Claymores. NFL Europe was a league that helped players develop their skills. He played very well for the Claymores and was named to the All-NFL Europe Team that season.
After returning, he played in eleven games for the Jets during the 2004 season. He left the Jets in 2005.
Arena Football League
After his time in the NFL, Alan Harper moved to the Arena Football League (AFL). This league plays football indoors on a smaller field.
He joined the San Jose SaberCats in December 2005. He played for the SaberCats from 2006 to 2008. During his time with the SaberCats, he became an ArenaBowl champion in 2007 (ArenaBowl XXI).
In 2010, he signed with the Arizona Rattlers and played for them during the 2010 season.
