BELLE GLADE – No offers, no head coach, no problem.
Zo’Marion Harper is what one could call a warrior. The Glades Central sophomore quarterback has had to deal with a lost season, which ultimately resulted in the dismissal of former two-time head coach and Muck legend Jessie Hester Sr.
It’s tough to not have a head coach more than three months after the decision was made to move in a different direction. But a true Muckstepper like Harper will not allow any challenges to stunt his growth along the way.
After all, despite the fact that Glades Central finished this past season with a 1-9 record, the 6-foot, 203-pound quarterback had a respectable sophomore campaign on his own. Harper accounted for at least 1,320 total yards and 19 total touchdowns, while throwing only four interceptions along the way.
His best moment came off the field at the Muck Bowl Banquet, which occurred on Nov. 1, 2019 at Glades Central High School’s gymnasium.
“During the Muck Bowl Banquet, when they were giving out awards, I won the highest GPA on the team as a sophomore,” said Harper, who currently has a 3.44 grade point average and was scheduled to take his ACT exam on Feb. 8.
Harper opened up some more about how his sophomore season went down at Glades Central.
“It was a learning experience,” Harper said. “At the time when we were aware of the ineligible player and who it was, we just embraced him. At the time we were 4-4 and the No. 2 seed in our class (4A-Region 3). We learned and have matured from that.”
Harper reflected on the Muck Bowl, which ended in a heartbreaking 21-17 loss at home to Pahokee.
“It was my first one,” Harper said. “Of course I wanted to keep the trophy at home, but it didn’t go as planned. We were in control of the game until it was 1:26 left. They converted on fourth-and-nine on a busted coverage and would score two plays later to take the lead. But this upcoming season, we’ll have a story to tell. Unfinished business.”
Now with the offseason at hand, Harper has logged some time with two 7-on-7 teams: Muck 7 (based in Belle Glade) and Hard Knocks. This has led to some colleges taking a look at the Muckstepper, such as Rutgers, Tulane, and Bethune-Cookman.
“Right now, no offers,” Harper said. “But I can’t sweat the things I don’t have any control of. After I pass my test, I know my recruitment will rise. I have been preparing myself for the upcoming season.”
What exactly can we expect from Harper this fall?
“A rising junior who’s hungry and ready to lead my team to a state title,” Harper said. “I am someone who respects the game by playing it the right way, through my preparation, competitiveness, work ethic, and integrity. I have dreams and aspirations, but my belief is that those will only manifest itself through work and passion. I have been grinding.”
Stay tuned for further updates on Harper’s recruiting process and overall progress at his position.
