Michael Harper JR '17 Recruiting Profile

My name is Michael Harper. I am a post-graduate at Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia. I am a 6'5, 240 lb. D-line/O-linemen. I have started at defensive end on varsity as a freshman, sophomore, and as a senior I started both ways. I also earned the 2013 Pioneer League All Conference Award and Christian Character Award. My senior year I earned All Prep, All State, The Cobb Award which is given to the Prep MVP and displays good character. I was also awarded the Distinguished Cadet Award.

Ever since I started playing football at the age of eight, I have had a love for the game that is hard to describe. Football is one of my top three priorities: Faith, Family, and Football and of curse academics. For most that list would go: Faith, Family, and Friends. But I have learned that in order to get what you truly want, you must sacrifice, which I have done by leaving my family and friends at home to attend Fork Union Military Academy to become a better student athlete. And who needs friends when you have brothers who will fight for you on and off the field?

Academics and leadership are extremely important to me, especially since I attend a college prep military academy where the core values are: Respect, Integrity, Faith, Character, and Discipline. Academics always come first for me, no matter how badly I want to hit the weight room sometimes. If I need to study, it gets done first. As an officer at the academy, I practice my leadership skills every day because I am responsible for over 60 other cadets and the way they behave. And when I am not at school, I manage a farm and work at a veterinary office, so leadership and hard work is a year round thing for me. And I carry every bit of it on the field. One of my favorite sayings comes from the doctor I work for, "Motivation is the key to life." So let me tell you, you won't come across too many guys as motivated as I am.

Everything I do, I do to the best of my ability. And every day I am working to increase my abilities in every way, on and off the field: physically, mentally, and spiritually. It would be an honor to have you view my highlight and profile.

Thank you for your time and God bless,