Roman Harper Talks Bama Football, DeBoer Era, and More

Last Friday, former Alabama star and NFL veteran Roman Harper joined The Millers Edge, hosted by Christian and Corey Miller, for a jam-packed segment full of insight, storytelling, and straight talk about the Crimson Tide’s past, present, and future.

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Broadcast weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tide 100.9 FM and 1230 AM WTBC, The Millers Edge delivered another must-listen episode as the father-son duo welcomed Harper with open arms to talk all things Alabama football and the ever-changing college football landscape.

Before he became a standout at Alabama, Harper made a name for himself at Prattville High School as a dynamic two-way athlete. Despite suffering a fractured leg his senior year, he managed to rack up 58 tackles and four interceptions on defense while producing over 800 total yards and 13 touchdowns at quarterback. He earned All-County, All-Metro, and All-State honors and was named team captain and offensive MVP—a preview of the leadership and tenacity that would define his career.

After redshirting in 2001, Harper quickly became a force on the Crimson Tide defense. He was named “Most Improved Freshman” in his debut season, recording 42 tackles and two sacks. His sophomore campaign in 2003 was a breakout year—Harper posted 111 tackles (one of three Bama defenders to top 100) and scored a memorable 73-yard fumble return touchdown against Hawaii. That spring, he was dubbed “Most Improved Defensive Back.”

In 2004, Harper transitioned to free safety and continued his consistent play, leading all defensive backs with 77 tackles and contributing across the stat sheet with interceptions, sacks, and forced fumbles. He capped the season with 14 tackles in the Music City Bowl.

Harper’s senior year in 2005 solidified his Crimson Tide legacy. As a team captain, he logged 69 tackles, including a game-changing hit on Tennessee’s Cory Anderson that led to a key turnover—a play later named “Defensive Play of the Year.” He earned First-Team All-SEC honors, was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, and entered the season as a Playboy Preseason All-American.

By the end of his college career, Harper had started 38 straight games and recorded 302 career tackles—the sixth-most in Alabama history—cementing himself as one of the best to ever suit up in the Tide’s secondary.

Naturally, when Christian Miller asked Harper for his take on Alabama’s 2024 season under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, fans tuned in closely.

"I am not going to give a grade because there are so many ways to skin a cat," Harper said. "I don't like the eyes only on the quarterback. You also have to understand there will be a lot of turnovers because the vision is only on the quarterback. That is why you have more interceptions in zone defenses versus man-to-man defenses. When it comes down to the biggest moments, that is where it gets [Alabama] in trouble."

The conversation then turned to Alabama’s offense—specifically the lack of a reliable running game, which Harper believes played a major role in last season’s struggles.

"The reason why Alabama wasn't so successful last year is because they were trying to run a specific offense that did not fit Jalen Milroe's mindset or abilities," Harper said. "We [also] have to be able to run the football better from the running back position. You don't need your QB taking 15 to 20 carries there. If they figure that out, everything else will take care of itself."

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Harper weighed in on potential starting quarterback Ty Simpson—a name that’s generating more buzz as fall camp approaches.

"I met the young man. I know his pedigree and DNA. Since coming out of high school, he just has not had the QB snaps. That doesn't disqualify him from being a good QB in the SEC. This kid has been here through the old and new regimes. He's earned his time and opportunity. The most important thing for him is to believe that he is up to the standard and he deserves it."

With a tough 2025 schedule on deck, Harper acknowledged some early concerns but emphasized a winning mindset.

"I have concerns all over the schedule. That doesn't mean [Alabama] can't survive them. I learned this from Sean Payton: If you think this is a concern or a big game, just go win. This is how I anticipate seeing this team rolling."

From his playing days to the present day, Roman Harper continues to represent the toughness, knowledge, and leadership that define Alabama football. His appearance on The Millers Edge offered fans a thoughtful look into the state of the program and what it will take for the Tide to reclaim national dominance in 2025.

To listen to Haper's full interview on The Millers Edge, click here.

If you would like to stay up to date with SEC Media Days and all things Alabama FB, check out Tide 100.9, Wyatt Fulton and Ryan Fowler's twitter!

Chase Brumfield is the morning producer and writer for Tide 100.9. He is currently a senior studying communications at Mississippi State University. Follow Chase for more Alabama content on X at @cb3864.