The string of skill position players set to enter the 2015 NFL Draft continues to pile up as California Bears wide receiver Chris Harper has declared himself eligible for the Draft. Harper, a true junior, has received strong reports from NFL scouts and could be selected between the third and fourth round. During his junior season, Harper caught 52 passes for 634 yards and six touchdowns, but his three-year numbers totaled 159 receptions, 1960 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. While at California, Harper started 23 of his last 35 games and recorded at least one reception in 29 straight games. The Bears have a strong tradition of producing elite wide receivers and Harper could be the next in a long line of talented wide outs.
“After having many talks with my family, mentors and coaches I have decided that declaring for the NFL Draft was best for me at this time,” Harper stated. “Millions of different thoughts and prayers have been put into this educated decision which is why I have decided to enter the draft. These past three years have definitely been some of the best and most memorable years of my life with regards to football, my education, and the endless relationships that I’ve built with my teammates, coaches, ex-coaches and classmates.
“I want to personally take the time out to give a huge thank you to coach [Jeff] Tedford who gave me the opportunity to be a Bear when my offers were very slim and at a time when other collegiate coaches didn’t believe in me. I also want to say thank you to Sonny Dykes and the current coaching staff who gave me the opportunities that were given on the field, and especially to coach [Rob] Likens who I formed a close bond with in my last season as a Bear.
“I love everything that Cal had to offer pertaining to football, education and the great culture of the city of Berkeley. I love all of the die-hard Bear fans that made my experience at Cal unforgettable because of their persistent support towards all of us not only when we won but also when we were at our lowest. I appreciate everything Cal has done for me and the unbreakable bonds that I’ve formed with so many of my teammates and want to give a last thank you to everyone involved in my success.”
*Section Photo credit to Thearon W. Henderson,Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Kirby Lee, USA Today Sports.
