AT HARDING
Jhalen Spicer was named the Cornerbacks Coach for the Bisons in July 2026. A former standout player and defensive graduate assistant, Spicer brings deep familiarity with the program and "The Brotherhood" to Head Coach Roddy Mote's defensive staff.
Spicer originally joined the coaching staff in February 2026 as a Graduate Assistant (Defense) before being promoted to his full-time role leading the cornerbacks ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Coaching Highlights:
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Full-Time Promotion: Elevated to Cornerbacks Coach in July 2026 after spending the spring season assisting with the defensive unit as a graduate assistant.
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Defensive Support: Assisted with defensive game planning and daily operations during the winter and spring blocks, helping integrate a young and talented secondary unit.
PLAYING CAREER
Spicer was a dynamic slotback for the Bisons from 2021–2024, playing a vital role in one of the most prolific offensive stretches in college football history.
Playing Highlights:
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National Champion: A key contributor on the historic 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship team. Spicer scored the first touchdown of the Bisons' 38-7 title game victory over Colorado School of Mines on a 10-yard run in the first quarter.
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Milestone Achievements: Spicer played in 48 career games, making 36 starts. He surpassed the 1,000-yard career rushing milestone during his junior season and finished his career as one of the most efficient perimeter threats in the Great American Conference.
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Big-Play Threat: Known for his game-breaking speed, he recorded multiple 100-yard rushing games, including a career-high 128-yard performance on just 10 carries against Ouachita Baptist in 2022.
BEFORE HARDING
A 2020 graduate of Dallas Jesuit High School in Texas, Spicer was a highly decorated two-way player, excelling at cornerback, wide receiver, and kick returner under coach Brandon Hickman.
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Honors: Earned 2019 First Team All-District honors as a cornerback and 2018 Second Team All-District honors as a kick returner.
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High School Stats: In his senior season, he recorded 58 tackles and a team-leading 13 pass breakups, while also compiling 456 return yards on special teams.
EDUCATION
Spicer graduated from Harding University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
PERSONAL
A native of Lancaster, Texas, Spicer is the son of Bobby and Lakeisha.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2026–present: Harding, cornerbacks coach
2026: Harding, graduate assistant (defense)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
2021–2024: Harding, running back (slotback)
2017–2019: Dallas Jesuit High School (Texas), cornerback/wide receiver
