Rod Harper and Nate Allen working out at IMG

Rod Harper and and Nate Allen, two Florida grown products now with the Philadelphia Eagles, have been working out at IMG in Bradenton.

Harper, the Southeast High product, who overcame enormous odds to earn a roster spot on 2009 Super Bowl champion New Orleans, spent last season on the Eagles practice squad after the Saints released him following an injury.

A receiver-return man, Harper has proven his resiliency and could be just an injury free season away from establishing himself in the NFL.

A second round pick in 2010, Allen earned the Eagles starting job at safety and was arguably on his way for challenging for Rookie of The Year honors until he suffered a knee injury and was placed on injured reserve last December.

Former USF standout Nate Allen honored

Former USF standout defensive back Nate Allen has been named the NFL's Rookie of The Month for his perfomance in September.

During his first month of professional football, the Philadelphia Eagles safety picked off two passes, had three passes defended, 12 tackles and a sack in three games.

The Eagles took Allen in the second round of the NFL draft with a pick they acquired when they traded heralded quarterback Donovan McNabb to Washington. He is the first Eagle to have an interception in his first game since Eric Allen in 1988

Allen will be able to thank McNabb personally when the Eagles face the Redskins this Sunday. Allen, who was a quarterback a Cape Coral High, agreed to become a safety when he got to USF so he could get on the field quicker.