High flying athletes with loads of talent on the playing field is nothing new at Southeast High School in Bradenton, FL and this year is no exception. A tradition rich football program turning out the likes of Peter Warrick (FSU/Bengals) and A.D. McPherson (FSU) have benefited from the services of Rod Harper this year. Harper has helped guide the Seminoles to an 8-2 record and into the state playoffs, while leading Manatee County in receiving. This is no small task by any means. When it comes to high school football, Manatee County is no ordinary county as it has produced hundreds of Friday night prime time players that have moved on to showcase their talent on Saturdays in the fall. (For 10 straight years a player from Manatee County has played in the D-1 National Championship game) Many have been fortunate enough to play on Sundays in the NFL. Harper will advance to playing on Saturday next fall and the Seminoles will reload, as usual.
Whatever school Harper chooses will be tremendously blessed with not only great athletic talent but with a poised young man that keeps it all in perspective. Since a young age Harper has been blessed with success on the playing field. In 1997, Harper played centerfield for the Manatee East Little League team that went to Williamsport and finished 2nd in the nation and 3rd in the world at the Little League World Series. Shortly before his Little League days began Harper made a very important decision in his life on September 10th, 1995 when he accepted Christ as his personal savior.
In high school Harper admits until his junior year his walk with the Lord wasnt where it needed to be. He even had thoughts of giving up football, but as his faith strengthened so did his ability to overcome quitting. Reading the Bible and going to church with his mom (Kathy Sams) was all the stability he needed to stay focused on Christ. His accomplishments on the football field are given back to God, as he realizes where his talent truly comes from. The big play awards that adorn the back of his helmet make a cross that represents his thankfulness to all that Christ has done for him. He continues to attend Bethlehem Baptist Church in Sarasota with his mom and is excited about the future God has in store for him.
High flying athletes with loads of talent on the playing field is nothing new at Southeast High School in Bradenton, FL and this year is no exception. A tradition rich football program turning out the likes of Peter Warrick (FSU/Bengals) and A.D. McPherson (FSU) have benefited from the services of Rod Harper this year. Harper has helped guide the Seminoles to an 8-2 record and into the state playoffs, while leading Manatee County in receiving. This is no small task by any means. When it comes to high school football, Manatee County is no ordinary county as it has produced hundreds of Friday night prime time players that have moved on to showcase their talent on Saturdays in the fall. (For 10 straight years a player from Manatee County has played in the D-1 National Championship game) Many have been fortunate enough to play on Sundays in the NFL. Harper will advance to playing on Saturday next fall and the Seminoles will reload, as usual.
