Mandeville senior linebacker Hayden Harper has helped lead the Skippers to a 4-0 (2-0 in District 7-5A) start this season. Harper has posted 12 solo tackles with 11 assists. He has recorded three tackles for losses. He also has an interception and a fumble recovery.

Harper (5-10, 220) is a three-year starter for the Skippers. As a freshman, he played linebacker before being moved to the offensive line. In his sophomore and junior years he started as an offensive right guard, receiving all-district honors both seasons. This season he was switched back to the Skippers’ defense as the starting middle linebacker.

Mandeville head coach Guy LeCompte described Harper as a tremendous leader for the Skippers.

MHS' Hayden Harper

“Hayden has been picked by his teammates as a member of the team’s leadership council. He was chosen by his peers since his sophomore year as a team leader,” LeCompte said.

“When we needed Hayden to move to the offensive line as a sophomore after being a defensive player, he didn’t hesitate and became an all-district player. He made the change to help the team. I guess he never expected to go back to the defensive side of the ball. When he was told he was going back to defense, it lit a fire under him. He’s doing an outstanding job for us,” LeCompte added.

He said Harper has a nose for the football and is a very strong player.

“He’s played in the trenches so long as an offensive lineman that he isn’t afraid to stick his helmet down in there,” he said.

Harper played baseball his freshman year but decided to concentrate on football. Once the football season is over he is considering trying to throw the shot put for the Skippers.

What do you enjoy most about playing football? I love being around my teammates, and our coaching staff is outstanding.

What do you like best about being a student athlete? It’s fun being a student athlete. I just love the game of football. It’s a great experience.

Do you feel an added responsibility of being a role model as a student athlete? Yes, most definitely. Some people look up to you. You want to always do the right thing. You can’t be doing the wrong thing because they might follow your lead. I know my younger teammates look up to me. I have to get them pumped up.

Most memorable game? It would have to be this year’s 17-0 district victory over St. Paul’s. I had probably the best game I have ever played. I had never beaten St. Paul’s before. It was a great feeling to know that I was able to do my best against a team I had been wanting to beat for four years. (Harper recorded six solo tackles, four assists and one stop for a loss.)

Who has been the most influential person in your school sports career? My current coach Guy LeCompte. He is my idol. He is an excellent role model. I can always go to him for anything, whether it relates to football or just something personal.

Who is your favorite athlete? Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher.

Favorite team? Denver Broncos.

What is your favorite subject in school? Science.

Plans after high school/ college major? I plan on attending either Southern Mississippi or Ole Miss. I would like to play football in college. I want to major in marine biology.

Favorite sports movie/ TV show/actor? “Any Given Sunday,” “Sons of Anarchy,” Al Pacino.

Favorite type of music? Rock.

Favorite food dish? Pizza.

Best vacation? This summer I went to Cozumel, Mexico, with my family.

Best thing about living on the Northshore? I like the open space. I can’t take being all bunched up. I love being able to have a big yard.

Hobbies: I love fishing. My favorite things to do are to go fishing and play football. I caught a 40-pound redfish down in Hopedale. I also enjoy hunting. I guess I’m a better fisherman than I am a hunter.

Parents: Grady and Ann Harper of Covington.