Harper’s Staten races to Murray State

Harper College defensive lineman Chris Staten has signed a national letter of intent with Murray State University.

A school more known for its basketball program than its football program, Murray State went 6-5 last season. The Racers finished fourth in the Ohio Valley Conference with a 5-3 league record.

Staten also received scholarship offers from Western Illiniois and New Hampshire. Staten is the only player from the state of Illinois on the Racers’ roster.

Murray State does not do alot of recuiting in Illinois. It turns out a highlight tape Staten sent to the school caught the coaching staff’s attention.

Staten believes the Murray State program is “up and coming. They are doing a lot of work on there facilities that is going to make it more fun for the players.”

One aspects that appeals to Staten is a James Bond-style fingerprint access system that only allows members of the football program into fooball-related buildings.

Staten chose the Kentucky school because it is far enough from home to be a new experience, yet close enough for his family to watch him play.

“It is really important because I plan to start every game this year,” Staten said of playing in front of his family.

“Chris is a great example of a kid that was an NCAA qualifier, but had very few offers his senior year of high school, mostly NCAA Division III,” said Harper coach Eric Waldstein of the Homewood-Flossmoor graduate. “He came here to see if he could get something better.”

Staten is already enrolled in classes at Murray State. He plans to major in major in heath/physical education in hopes of becoming a strength and conditioning coach for a pro or college team.

Murray State plans to use Staten as its one-technique defensive tackle in an attacking 4-3 defense.

“I don’t like to sit back — I like to attack them before they attack me,” Staten said of his playing style.