Nicario Harper, Illinois Football News: Draft Scout Player News

08/22/22 - FS Nicario Harper, rSr/2024, Illinois

Nicario Harper wasn't happy with the feedback he'd received. After two seasons at Jacksonville State, Harper was ready to take the next step and to enter the 2022 NFL draft. The only problem? Scouts weren't sold on him. He was told they wanted to see him in coverage more and to work on his hips. Harper, who had a stint at Southern Miss before Jacksonville State, was open to what he'd been told even if he wasn't thrilled to hear it. "They just really see me as a physical player, as a downhill thumper," the 2021 Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year said, "and I want to be able to show my versatility more." Instead of staying at Jacksonville State, he moved back up to the FBS level and transferred to Louisville, where he's been given the chance to show off his versatility. During fall camp, the Cardinals repped Harper at multiple spots, including the CARD linebacker, free safety and nickelback positions.

Harper is one of six transfers, out of 13 total that joined the roster during the offseason, that coach Scott Satterfield's staff brought in to reinforce a secondary that gave up the fourth-most passing yards in the ACC (3,193 yards) and 20 touchdowns (10th). The bulk of Harper's experience as a Gamecock was at safety where he tallied 54 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery in addition to being a Buck Buchanon Award finalist, given to the top safety in FCS, in his final season. That's not all he has to offer, though, and the Georgia native welcomes the opportunity to display more of his capabilities this season. "A lot of people just think I'm just a physical guy, but I want to show also I can cover," he said. "I can move around. I can blitz. I can play up top. I can play in a box. I can do everything. That's the kind of player I feel like I am, so I want to I'm glad I got the opportunity to show that this season." - Courier Journal

rSr/2024