As defensive linemen go, Frank Harry Jr. has to rank as one of the best to ever don the Wildcat uniform. He wasn’t just a two-time all-MACJC and all-Region 23 section for two seasons, he was ranked as one of the top defensive recruits in the country.

At Varnado (La.) High School, the 6-foot-3, 270-pound Harry played both ways at tackle. Former PRCC assistant coach John Creech spotted Frank at a Southern Miss football camp.

“Coach Creech asked me what school I went to and what size shoe did I wear,” said Harry. “They followed up with me later on. They offered me a scholarship and had never seen me play.”

They did see Frank play in the Louisiana all-star game where he made several tackles and sacks.

“After the game," Frank said, "Coach Hatten told me I would make one heckuva Wildcat.”

Indeed he did. He bulked up at 6-4, 280 pounds and became a force on the defensive line.

He later signed with South Florida, got homesick and transferred to Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. Following his college career, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings as free agent, but a knee injury ended his playing career.

“Pearl River was some of the best times in my life,” said Harry. “I actually cried when I left there because it was home. Poplarville was a small town just like my hometown. I got along with everybody. The friends I made there 11 years ago I still have today.” 

When Frank was inducted in 2015, Harry is a sheriff’s deputy in East Baton Rouge.