The Erie Express are happy to announce the return of All-Pro RB-Donte Harden (Ohio University) for the 2023 season. Donte returns as one of our starting running backs and looks to pick up where he left off in 2022.

In 2022 the Erie Express were named USA Bowl Summer Division National Champions, won our Division of the GDFL for the fourth year in a row and qualified for the GDFL National Playoffs for the seventh season in a row. We will be heading to Florida again in January to face off against another defending champion in the Minneapolis Warriors. Donte played a major role in those team accolades. 

On the season Harden accounted for 467 yards of offense. Donte had 376 yards on 76 carries with 3 touchdowns and hauled in 9 receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. For his efforts he was named GDFL All-Pro for the second year in a row.

Donte played a major role in our winning the 2021 GDFL National Championship as well as the 2021 USA Bowl National Championship Summer Division.

Despite missing 2.5 games during the 2021 season due to injury, Donte accounted for 488 total yards of offense (379 rushing [ TEAM HIGH], 109 receiving) and 12 touchdowns (11 rushing, 1 receiving). Harden finished the regular season ranked 3rd in the GDFL in rushing yards (319yds) and 2nd in rushing TD's (9). Donte finished the season tied for 1st in rushing TD's with 11. For his efforts, Donte was named GDFL All-Pro for the 2021 season.

"Donte has done a great job for us every year. The past two seasons have been the first two that he has played almost the whole season and both resulted in All-Pro accolades for his efforts. Donte has proven himself to be one of the premier backs in the country. He and Allen Jones, Express all time leader in rushing yards and TD', in the backfield for us is an amazing dual threat that we must have to get back to where we want to be. The road to Atlanta (2023 GDFL National Championship location) will be a tough one to travel but having Donte on board makes that trip a little easier. We are blessed to have him back on board and are expecting another great season from him in 2023"-Director of Operations Paul Pennington.

Donte is a graduate of Strong Vincent High School. There he lettered four times at Strong Vincent ... Carried 374 times for 3,068 yards and 40 touchdowns in his career ... Caught 16 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns ... Also played defense, recording 178 tackles and four sacks in his career ... Region 6 Player of the Year in 2006 ... Second-team all-state pick as a junior ... First-team all-district and all-region selection as a junior and senior ... Set the school single-season rushing record with 1,538 yards ... And 3,068 for his career.

Donte played his college ball for Ohio University where he was an All-MAC performer. Donte finished his career at Ohio University with 391 carries for 1,947 yards rushing with 9 touchdowns for a 4.98yd average, Receiving 48 receptions for 479 yards and 4 tds. In the return game Donte had 62 returns for 1,405yds and a TD. All told he finished his college career with 3,841 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Prior to joining the Express Harden was in camp with the New Orleans Saints (NFL), Hamilton Tigercats (CFL) and Green Bay Blizzard (IFL).

Donte is sponsored by Amy's Norwex for the 2023 season

Please visit this partner of Erie Express Football today for all your cleaning supply needs!

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THANK YOU again Amy's Norwex!

Welcome back on board the PAINTRAIN Donte! GO EXPRESS!