about

Madre Harper grew up in Arlington, TX with his parents and his older sister. From a young age Madre aspired to play in the NFL. In elementary school, when asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Madre answered as many other did: “I want to be a professional football player.” An athlete from a young age, Madre played little league football in elementary, but was also involved in the community and various extra-curricular's. He played the violin, earning several UIL awards, and was involved in his Church’s youth activities, including the choir and a tournament style program called Youth Bible Drill. Madre and his family also participated in the ‘Keep Grand Prairie Beautiful’ program, adopting a street to support the cause.  

Madre graduated from Arlington Lamar High School and was an active varsity athlete. He earned a three-year First Team All-District selection in football, and as a senior in 2015, helped lead his team to an 11-2 record.  He is an alumnus of the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl class of 2016. In addition to football, Madre was a successful varsity track and field athlete. He was the back-to-back All District Winner in the 300m Hurdles and competed at the state level in the 4x100 Relay in 2013 and 4x200 Relay in 2014.  

Oklahoma State was where Madre began his collegiate career as a Cornerback for the Cowboys. By enrolling a semester early, he was able to contribute to 12 games as a true freshman, the major highlight of his first year of college play being when he scored a huge touchdown on a fumble recovery. In sophomore year, he transferred from Oklahoma State to Southern Illinois University (SIU). In his senior year at SIU, he was ranked 17th in the nation as a Cornerback with 12 pass break-ups, two interceptions, and recorded 42 tackles – which was the most by a Saluki cornerback – and was named honorable mention All-MVFC. He graduated from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale in December 2019, with a Bachelor of Science Degree – Major Exercise Science.