Jamie Harless

Jamie Harless, of the class of 1998, was inducted into the Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. Harless was four year letterman and two-time NCAA All-American on the Wasps football team.

A 6’2”, 275-pound defensive tackle, Harless was a force to be reckoned with. Having redshirted during his junior year, he was a member of the team during 5 winning seasons, including an ODAC Championship and NCAA playoff run in 1995, for a total record of 40-11.

Harless was a two-time All-ODAC and All-State team member. In 1995, he was a Third-Team All-American. In 1997, he was First-Team All-America, was listed on the First Team for four different AA selection committees, and was the Touchdown Club of Richmond’s State Defensive Lineman of the year. He participated in the Aztec Bowl in Mexico City that year, which was the first international all-star game played with NCAA participants.

In his career, Harless collected over 20 quarterback sacks, garnered 39 career tackles for a loss, had 225 total tackles, and caused nine fumbles. His senior year he broke two school records with 37 quarterback hurries and 63 quarterback pressures. It is no coincidence that in that season, the Wasps were ranked fourth nationally in rush defense and 12th nationally in total defense.

After ending his career as a Wasp, Harless entered the field of education. He taught Special Education and Building Trades for Franklin County School System for close to a decade before moving to the Roanoke County School System to teach building trades. He has been nominated several times for teacher of the year awards. He is also involved in volunteering in his community.