Biography

Ryan Harney was without question one of the most productive running backs in North Attleboro High School history. The 5’7” 170 pound Harney had an eye for the right cut and the durability to bounce off defenders and pick up valuable extra yardage. For three seasons, from 1997-1999, Ryan carried the ball 279 times for 1862 yards. He caught 21 passes for 408 yards, ran back 20 punts for 209 yards and 9 kickoffs for 215 yards. He scored 37 touchdowns and 4 extra points for a career total of 230 points. As a defensive back he was in on 109 tackles and had 6 pass interceptions. Harney’s fine two-way play was instrumental in leading the Red Rocketeers to 33 straight wins, three Hockomock league titles, and three Super Bowl Championships.

As a sophomore Ryan established himself as a future offensive star. In a 31-7 win over Foxboro he had a 65 yard run which helped North clinch the Hockomock League title. This was just a hint of what would follow. As a junior in a 41-15 victory over Sharon, Ryan scored 3 touchdowns and ran for 173 yards. The following week against Franklin he scored 4 more times and ran for 178 yards. He concluded his junior year by scoring once in a 21-6 victory over Attleboro on Turkey Day. A week later he scored 2 more touchdowns in North’s 33-14 Super Bowl win over Attleboro.

Ryan’s senior year was more of the same. Although hampered by an ankle injury a good part of the season he finished with a bang. In a 22-8 victory over Attleboro, Harney carried 10 times for 49 yards and a touchdown. He caught 4 passes for 82 yards and was recognized as the games offensive M.V.P.  A week later in his final game he carried 23 times for 127 yards and 2 scores in the Rocketeers 26-6 Super Bowl win over Rockland.

For his expertise on the gridiron Harney was selected twice as a Hockomock League All-Star and twice as a Sun-Chronicle All-Star. He was also selected to the Boston Herald All Star team and was named to participate in the Shriner’s All-Star Game.