Former Cy-Creek RB Harper Signs with 49ers

Former Cypress Creek running back D.J. Harper has signed a free-agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers.

The signing is just the latest development in Harper’s remarkable comeback from tearing his left ACL in 2009 and 2010. Last season, after being granted a sixth year of eligibility, D.J. led Boise State with 1,137 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Harper joins a deep and talented stable of running backs, but should get his chances in the preseason. The 49ers will likely keep 30-year-old Frank Gore’s carries low along with Kendall Hunter and Marcus Lattimore as they recover from serious injuries of their own.

Overall, this is a great opportunity for Harper, who went undrafted due to his injury history, to catch on with an NFL team. He will be labeled as a speed guy because of his size, but Harper is a decisive runner with a surprising ability to handle contact.

Even if he gets cut, that 49er offensive line will make DJ look good and more teams will start to notice him once he gets out of training camp.

Harper came out of Cy-Creek in 2007 as a three-star recruit. In spite of his three unanimous all-district selections, Harper only received offers from three major college programs. After rushing for 1,570 yards and 21 TD as a senior, he committed to Boise State after a January visit.

Signing with an NFL team in any capacity is a great accomplishment and we join the Cy-Creek community in wishing him the best.

by Zach Shelton
Lone Star Gridiron

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