A second-team All-Arizona Community College Athletic Conference selection as a defensive back and a punter, Ryan is joining the San Jose State team in the fall with three playing seasons available to him. Harper was credited with 74 tackles, three pass interceptions and four pass break-ups in 2011 for Phoenix College (Coach Land Jacobsen). Handling the punting duties, he was second in the conference averaging 40.7 yards per attempt. The two-sport athlete is a shortstop on the baseball team. In 2011, he batted .314. The graduate of Greenway High in Phoenix, Ariz., lettered in football (Coach Mike Brown), basketball and baseball.  During his high school football career he received Class 4A all-state honors as a wide receiver and a safety. As a senior, he led his team in hitting with a .436 batting average.

Ryan plans to major in business administration at San Jose State. His older brother, Justin Harper, is a minor league pitcher in the Houston Astros organization. His dad, Herb Harper, played three seasons (1980-82) of basketball at Biola College.  The native of Bellflower, Calif., was born on September 16, 1991.

Other reported scholarship offers out of high school: UNLV, New Mexico State

Mike MacIntyre says: “Ryan Harper is a real good player. He has three (years of eligibility)-for-three coming out of junior college. He should help us in the fall and play immediately. He can help us as a punter, too.”