Oklahoma State University Athletics
Photo by: Bruce Waterfield
Harper Progressing Rapidly in Cowboy Secondary
December 10, 2020 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER - Oklahoma State defensive back Thomas Harper has played in every game this season and made a signature play with an interception against TCU on Saturday, yet he remains humble regarding his improvement over the past year.
"It's been so impactful that the upperclassmen have so much knowledge of the game," Harper said of his teammates. "They all have played a bunch of snaps so learning from them by listening and soaking it all in has helped so much since I've been here. I try to put everything I learn into practice and games."
Last year as a freshman, Harper saw action in 12 games and was credited with 13 tackles, primarily on special teams. His growth into a more prominent role this season comes in part from off-the-field advice he received from OSU's veterans.
"This year having older players tell me that film study is just as important as on the field work has helped me tremendously," Harper said. "I watch film every day and it really makes so much of a difference in my mind and how I see the game."
One of Harper's key mentors is senior linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, who recently spoke about the work ethic and ability that Harper brings to the team.
"I've seen it from day one," Ogbongbemiga said. "(Both Thomas and his older brother Devin) are fantastic NFL caliber athletes and it's just going to start coming together."
With only one regular-season game remaining in the 2020 season, Harper has positioned himself to be an important player in the buildup to the 2021 season and beyond.
"I take pride in giving my all, 100 percent every play," Harper said. "You will never see me give up on a play. I also feel like I'm a competitor. No matter who it is, what circumstance, what the score is, I'm going to compete every play."
The sophomore will continue to put his all into this weekend when the No. 22 Oklahoma State Cowboys take on Baylor this Saturday.
"It's been so impactful that the upperclassmen have so much knowledge of the game," Harper said of his teammates. "They all have played a bunch of snaps so learning from them by listening and soaking it all in has helped so much since I've been here. I try to put everything I learn into practice and games."
Last year as a freshman, Harper saw action in 12 games and was credited with 13 tackles, primarily on special teams. His growth into a more prominent role this season comes in part from off-the-field advice he received from OSU's veterans.
"This year having older players tell me that film study is just as important as on the field work has helped me tremendously," Harper said. "I watch film every day and it really makes so much of a difference in my mind and how I see the game."
One of Harper's key mentors is senior linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, who recently spoke about the work ethic and ability that Harper brings to the team.
"I've seen it from day one," Ogbongbemiga said. "(Both Thomas and his older brother Devin) are fantastic NFL caliber athletes and it's just going to start coming together."
With only one regular-season game remaining in the 2020 season, Harper has positioned himself to be an important player in the buildup to the 2021 season and beyond.
"I take pride in giving my all, 100 percent every play," Harper said. "You will never see me give up on a play. I also feel like I'm a competitor. No matter who it is, what circumstance, what the score is, I'm going to compete every play."
The sophomore will continue to put his all into this weekend when the No. 22 Oklahoma State Cowboys take on Baylor this Saturday.
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