Wayne Harris

Bio

Wayne Harris nicknamed "Thumper" for the bone-jarring hits he would lay on opponents, is often hailed as the greatest center ever to suit up for the Arkansas Razorbacks. From 1958 to 1960, toward the end of the one platoon era, Harris was a staple of coach Frank Broyles’ team, earning All-America honors for his outstanding play on both sides of the ball. As a senior, Harris registered 174 tackles, leading the Razorbacks to an 8-3 record, good enough to claim the Southwest Conference title. During that season Harris was selected as the SWC Player of the Year, earned a spot on the All-Conference squad, and played in the 1961 Coaches All-America Game. Harris is still considered to be the gold standard for Razorback defensive players as each season the team’s top defenseman is the recipient of an award named in his honor. More recently, Harris was named to the Arkansas All-Decade Team of the 1960s and its All-Century team. He has also been enshrined into the Arkansas and Razorbacks Halls of Fame. After his Razorbacks career, Harris began a 12-year stint as a standout linebacker for the Canadian Football League’s Calgary Stampeders.

Career Highlights

• 1960 All-Conference
• 1960 First Team All-America
• 1959 All-Conference