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Devin Harper (born May 13, 1998) is an American professional football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Oklahoma State.

Early life

Harper attended Karns High School. He was a two-way player at running back and linebacker. As a junior in 2015, he was a part of a winless team.

As a senior in 2016, he contributed to a 3-7 record, while collecting 1,403 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns, 40 tackles (5.5 for loss), 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and averaging 213 all-purpose yards per game. He rushed for 345 yards in a single-game against South-Doyle High School. He received All-District and All-Knoxville Interscholastic League honors.

He also practiced basketball and track. As a senior, he led the basketball team to the sectional round of the District 3-A Playoffs, while receiving District 3-AAA Player of the Year and All-Region honors.

College career

Harper accepted a football scholarship from Oklahoma State University, with the intention of playing linebacker. As a redshirt freshman in 2017, he played mostly playing on special teams, tallying 5 tackles and one blocked punt.

As a sophomore in 2018, he appeared in all 13 games with one start, recording 44 total tackles (5 for loss), 2.5 sacks, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and an interception returned for a touchdown. He had 9 tackles against the University of Kansas.

Harper played through a painful junior year in 2019, wearing a cast during a part of the season. He appeared in 10 games with one start. He amassed 34 total tackles (5 for loss) and 3 sacks. He had 6 tackles against the University of Kansas.

As a senior in 2020, he appeared in all 11 played with one start. Two games were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He posted 37 tackles (sixth on the team), 5.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, one interception and one pass defensed. Harper was also an All-Big 12 academic honoree. He had 5 tackles against West Virginia University.

As a super senior in 2021, he enjoyed his best season, becoming a full-time starter along with being voted a team captain. He started 13 out of 14 games, finishing the season with 96 tackles (second on the team), 10 tackles for loss, 6 sacks (third on the team), 15 quarterback hurries (second in school history), 2 passes defensed, one forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries. In the 2021 Bedlam matchup against Oklahoma, he was a key part in defending their offense, tying a career-high 10 tackles (7 solo), and with less than 2 minutes left in the game, he forced a throwaway pass, a 5-yard loss sack, tackled quarterback Caleb Williams short of the first down marker on three consecutive plays, while helping the Cowboys close a 37-33 win. He had 10 tackles in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl, contributing to one off the biggest rallies in school history for a 37-35 win against the University of Notre Dame.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Harper was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round (193rd overall) of the 2022 NFL draft. He was declared inactive in 4 games, before being placed on the reserve/injured list with Achilles tendinitis on October 29, 2022. He appeared in the first 3 games of the season playing on special teams and did not record any stats.

In 2023, after rookie DeMarvion Overshown's season-ending injury, Markquese Bell passed him on the depth chart for the strongside linebacker job. Harper appeared in the first 3 games of the season, playing mostly on special teams, registering 2 defensive tackles and one special teams tackle. He was waived by the team on September 28, to make room for center Brock Hoffman, in order to provide depth on the offensive line.

Cincinnati Bengals

On September 29, 2023, Harper was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals. He was declared inactive in 8 games. He appeared in 6 games, making 2 special teams tackles. He was waived by the Bengals on August 27, 2024.

Pittsburgh Steelers

On August 29, 2024, Harper was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad.

Personal life

Harper was born to his parents Kevin and Alacia. He is the older brother of Las Vegas Raiders safety, Thomas Harper.

Harper has a son named Ryder, who he welcomed on August 9, 2019.

References

1. "Karns' Devin Harper 'thankful' to play at Oklahoma State". Retrieved July 15, 2023.
2. "Football: 2015 All-PrepXtra, All-KIL defensive teams". Retrieved July 15, 2023.
3. "'That night' Devin Harper showed why he is on next level - the Knoxville Focus". Retrieved July 15, 2023.
4. "OSU football: Devin Harper, Amen Ogbongbemiga become Cast Brothers". Retrieved July 15, 2023.
5. "Devin Harper College Stats". Retrieved July 15, 2023.
6. "Big 12 Conference" (PDF). Retrieved July 15, 2023.
7. "Karns grad Devin Harper selected No. 193 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft". Retrieved July 15, 2023.
8. "How Devin Harper, OSU defense shut out OU in second half bedlam football". Retrieved July 15, 2023.
9. Wright, Scott (January 1, 2022). "'Back to the basics': OSU defense rediscovers aggressive style in second-half Fiesta Bowl rally". The Oklahoman. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
10. "2022 Draft Scout Devin Harper, Oklahoma State NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
11. "Cowboys Add LB Depth In 6th Round With Harper". DallasCowboys.com. April 30, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
12. "Cowboys add Malik Davis, Qadree Ollison to roster with Ezekiel Elliott doubtful to play". nbcsports.com. October 29, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
13. "Cowboys' Devin Harper: Could see more snaps". CBSSports.com. August 21, 2023. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
14. "Youmans: 4 Players Who Made The Team Saturday". www.dallascowboys.com. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
15. "Bengals Roster Moves: LB Acquired, WR Placed On Reserve/Injured". Bengals.com. September 29, 2023.
16. "Bengals Reduce Final Roster To 53 Players". Bengals.com. August 27, 2024.
17. Varley, Teresa (August 30, 2024). "Steelers sign eight to practice squad". Steelers.com.
18. Unruh, Jacob (October 29, 2021). "How OSU brothers Devin and Thomas Harper grew together". The Oklahoman. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
19. "5 things to know about Cowboys LB Devin Harper, including his success at Oklahoma State". The Dallas Morning News. May 19, 2022. Retrieved September 10, 2024.

External links

• Pittsburgh Steelers bio
• Oklahoma State Cowboys bio

• Living people
• 1998 births
• Players of American football from Knoxville, Tennessee
• American football linebackers
• Oklahoma State Cowboys football players
• Dallas Cowboys players
• Cincinnati Bengals players
• Pittsburgh Steelers players