The Saskatchewan Roughriders return to the field at Griffiths Stadium Wednesday morning was actually preceded by another pre-season roster shuffle.
The Green and White announced the addition of American defensive back Nicario Harper and the release of import linebacker K-D Davis. The six-foot, 205-pound Harper made 50 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception and three pass knockdowns at the University of Illinois this past season. The Atlanta product recently attended rookie mini-camp with Indianapolis. Following is the news release from the Riders…..
DATE: MAY 22, 2024
RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE: SR24-075
RIDERS ADD ALL-AMERICAN DEFENSIVE BACK NICARIO HARPER
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American defensive back Nicario Harper.
Harper (6’0, 205) joins the Roughriders after playing 12 games with the University of Illinois last season, where he recorded 50 tackles, two tackles for loss, three pass deflections and one interception.
Prior to suiting up with the Fighting Illini, Harper spent three seasons with Jacksonville State University (2020-22). He had a standout first season as a Gamecock, where he led the team with 92 tackles, three interceptions and three tackles for loss and was awarded AP First Team FCS All-American, FCS ADA All-American as the best player in the nation at his position, AFCA First Team All-American, HERO Sports First Team All-American, All-OVC First Team Safety, OVC Defensive Player of the Year and was also named a Buck Buchannon Award finalist (given to the best defensive player in FCS Football).
Despite only suiting up for nine games in 2021, Harper finished third on the team with 54 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, two interceptions and a fumble recovery, landing him a spot on the ASUN All-Conference team. He transferred to Louisville for the 2023 season and played in five games, registering seven tackles and one tackle for loss.
In a corresponding move the Saskatchewan Roughrider have released American linebacker KD Davis.
