A switch to football? Penn State basketball alumnus John Harrar invited to try out with Eagles
Former San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates and NFL free agent Jimmy Graham had accomplished careers making the switch. Now Penn State basketball alumnus John Harrar looks to play football, receiving a tryout with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to a tweet from his agent, Blake Fromang.
The Delaware County native averaged 10.6 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in the 2021-2022 season. He averaged 5.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game over his five-year career with the Nittany Lions. Standing at 6-foot-9, 240 pounds, he should provide a large target for quarterbacks.
Prior to joining the Nittany Lions and becoming a standout rebounder, Harrar was a 2-star tight end recruit in the 2017 class. He initially committed to Army, prior to deciding to play basketball, committing to Penn State in April 2017. He also received a scholarship offer from Massachusetts.
Harrar wouldn’t be the first Penn State athlete to switch to play football following their collegiate career. Former Nittany Lions lacrosse player Chris Hogan dropped his stick for a pair of receiver gloves. Hogan went on to have a 10-year playing career, most notably with the New England Patriots (2016-2018). He totaled 220 receptions, 2,836 receiving yards and 19 receiving touchdowns, along with two Super Bowl rings.
Philadelphia’s two-day rookie minicamp will begin on Friday.
This story was originally published May 5, 2022 at 7:14 PM.
