GRAMBLING, La (May 14, 2013) – The Grambling State University Tiger football team continues to send student-athletes to the National Football League (NFL).  Former GSU defensive end Eric Harper has signed a free-agent contract with the Oakland Raiders.
 
Harper, who is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, worked hard in getting the attention of the scouts and had to be proactive in getting an opportunity.   “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 during the draft as the Raiders made contact with Harper about possibly drafting him.  “The Raiders originally wanted to take me in the seventh round”, said Harper.  They told me that even if I didn't 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,” said Harper.  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.
 
Now that Harper has signed his contract he knows that the real work begins 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.”