By: Mason Wendler
Monte Harrison's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. At 28 years old, Harrison, a former MLB player, has decided to switch gears and walk on to the Arkansas Razorbacks football team. His story is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the unyielding pursuit of passion.
Who is Monte Harrison?
Monte Harrison is a former MLB player who last put on a pair of football pads a decade ago. However, his return to football is far from the tale of a newcomer to the sport. Harrison was once a standout wide receiver at Lee's Summit High School in Missouri. In the class of 2014, he was a 4-star recruit, ranked as the 52nd best wide receiver nationally and the 7th best player in Missouri. "Best pure athlete I've ever seen," said Michael Bruntz from 247Sports, who covered Harrison as a recruit back in 2014.
Lincoln Journal Star
A Fork in the Road
After high school, Harrison committed to play football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. But fate had other plans. The Milwaukee Brewers selected him in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft, offering a lucrative $1.8 million signing bonus. The lure of professional baseball was too strong to resist, and Harrison chose to embark on a career in MLB instead of suiting up for the Cornhuskers.
A Decade on the Diamond
Harrison's baseball career spanned a decade, filled with its fair share of ups and downs. He spent years bouncing between minor league teams, with intermittent stints in the majors. Despite the challenges, Harrison's athleticism and determination never waned. His last professional baseball endeavor was with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023, signing a minor league contract before being released in September, marking the end of his baseball journey.
A New Beginning
On May 7th, 2024, Harrison announced his commitment to play football for the Arkansas Razorbacks. As a walk-on, he aims to revive his football career and fulfill a dream that was put on hold ten years ago. At 28, Harrison brings a unique blend of experience, maturity, and raw athletic talent to the Razorbacks. His decision to return to football has turned heads and sparked intrigue across the sports community.
Why Arkansas?
Choosing Arkansas might seem surprising to some, but for Harrison, it’s an opportunity to challenge himself in one of the nation’s premier football conferences. The SEC is known for its competitive nature and producing NFL talent, making it an ideal stage for Harrison to showcase his skills. Additionally, the Razorbacks' coaching staff has shown belief in Harrison’s potential, providing a supportive environment for his transition back to football.
The Road Ahead
As Monte Harrison steps onto the football field once again, he does so with a wealth of experience that few athletes possess. His story is an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Whether he becomes a key player for the Razorbacks or simply fulfills a personal goal, Harrison's journey from MLB to college football is one of the most compelling stories in sports today.
Stay tuned as we follow Monte Harrison's remarkable return to football and cheer him on in this exciting new chapter of his athletic career.
This is a terrific article that was written by a very young student! I will be looking forward to following the football career of Monte Harrison at Arkansas!
Outstanding story of dedication and perseverance! Well done!!