Boys comeback player of year

Class: Senior

Age: 18 The injury: Harper was involved in a jet-ski accident in 2005 and suffered a fractured skull and two pseudo aneurysms on his carotid artery. He was hospitalized for three weeks after surgery and told by doctors that contact sports were out of the question for the foreseeable future. While recuperating, he went to football practice every day and served as a coach's assistant. He was cleared to play sports in the spring of 2007 and competed in club lacrosse. Biggest setback: While at the family farm following the 2007 lacrosse season, he broke his left leg when a tractor rolled onto him. Rehab time: After another surgery, he underwent five months of rehabilitation. He returned to play football, starting all 11 games, his senior season and helped the Rebels reach the playoffs for the first time in 13 years. His sports: Football, lacrosse, track and field. College plans: Headed to Virginia Military Institute; will play football. Three words your friends would use to describe you: "Energetic, crazy (as in all my accidents), outgoing." Favorite food: Chipotle burrito Key to the comeback: "My desire to play. I can't stand being bored. I have to do something." Essay quotable: "Everyone had been playing four years while I was the film and water boy. I knew I had to prove to myself that I could still play the game I once did." If he had one wish: "I wish I could fly a helicopter. I've flown in two, but I was unconscious both times." Strength that carried him: "Faith helped me get through everything." Best sports memory: "Beating Mills Godwin 41-14 my senior year [in football]." Possession you can't do without: "My shotguns." He likes to hunt. Biggest challenge: "My father has always been there for me, and I don't want to do anything that would let him down." -- Arthur Utley