2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Devron Harper, WR, Mercer

• Name: Devron Harper
• Position: Wide Receiver/Punt Returner/Kick Returner
• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 170 lbs
• School: Mercer University (previously Gardner-Webb)
• Level: Division I FCS – Southern Conference
• Twitter: devronharper
• Instagram: exactly_dev

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

Major: Communications

Minor: Sociology

I do intramural sports in the Spring and Summer but usually my main focus is on football 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

I always keep good energy around and make sure everyone fulfills their potential. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

Being a returner gives us an opportunity to get great field position on drives. I like to be spread out in the offense and the coaches send me in motion more often. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

TJ Moore, CB – he gives 100% day in and day out but sometimes he doesn’t get the same recognition 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

People look at me because of my shorter height – but they really underestimate my jumping ability. I feel like I’m playing at 6’2” sometimes simply because of that. My speed does the rest. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

When I pulled my hamstring at Gardner-Webb, I had never dealt with any serious setbacks like that. The injury took place against Charleston Southern, and it was an unfortunate situation, but I learned to overcome it despite being incredibly nervous and anxious. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

I would probably do track and field. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Having my college covered through scholarships. My mom always said “school first” and I feel good knowing she doesn’t have to worry about it. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

Touchdown against Alabama from the opposite 40, it was a post route and went behind another receiver who took one of the safeties. It was a somewhat blown coverage with the middle open. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

My favorite athlete is Tavon Austin – he’s a returner and plays out of the slot

My favorite team is the Minnesota Vikings 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Just listening to music, especially NBA Youngboy 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

I play video games a lot – also spending time with my family. My brother runs camps so I help him out with that, always good to see the youth. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

I play football because it was something I was always into from a young age, but I also play it because it complements my education. I knew football was a way for me to go to school. My brother motivated me the most, he was always pushing me through all of the challenges in each aspect of life. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

My love and commitment to the team is unmatched – I want to give them everything they’ve got

Other notes: 

In high school there was one game I will always remember – I had 2 receiving touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and a pick-six. I had an offer from Gardner-Webb before that game, but this performance stuck out to a lot of coaches. Other schools had interest but Gardner-Webb wanted me as a receiver and they had been there for me since junior year. Committed there even though I could have gone to bigger programs on defense. The first time being tackled was when I knew I was a DI player, but I scored a touchdown in my first game of freshman year which made the initial blow feel a bit better. My main reason for transferring was because I wanted to play some larger programs, especially to get more recognition and more film. Mercer had some great academics and was a bit closer to home for me, so that’s where I made the decision to go.