The college football world is intrigued to see what Tommy Rees and Kevin Steele do for the University of Alabama.
Nick Saban has made some interesting hires for his coaching staff, but his latest support staff move was huge.
RELATED: Alabama adds former Houston staffer to its player personnel staff
He brought in someone who is an Alabama native, has Southeastern Conference ties, and is related to a former Crimson Tide standout player. Harding Harper comes to the Tide as an assistant director of player personnel. He served in that role at the University of Houston, but he may have a bigger impact in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Harper, a native of Birmingham, Ala., played football at Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala. He comes from a program that produced former Alabama linebackers, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Mack Wilson. Five-star signees James Smith and Qua Russaw hail from Carver as well.
Harper played linebacker at Vanderbilt University, leading the Commodores to two 9-4 seasons in 2012 and 2013 under James Franklin as a two-time team captain. His coaching career started at Centennial High School (Atlanta, Ga.) in 2018, but Harper made stops at Penn State, Missouri, Lycoming College, and Colorado. At the collegiate level, he was an intern, graduate assistant, linebacker coach, and recruiting/scouting assistant. Harper is the cousin of former Tide safety, Roman Harper.
As an assistant director of player personnel, Harper will be instrumental in recruiting for the Tide.
He will be integral in reeling in prospects during on-campus visits.
Harper’s role will also include helping players with strength and conditioning, student services, travel services, housing, parking, facilities, and other matters. He has to identify Alabaa’s weaknesses and recruit players to fill those needs.
Harper will share ideas with Coach Saban and other on-field coaches about how to make the Crimson Tide staff. His roots within the state of Alabama and knowledge of the SEC will be huge for Saban and the Tide. Harper can relate to players, but he knows the culture of the program growing up as an in-state product. He looks to enhance the Tide on the field next fall.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
