The Recruiting Guy

Macon shares big day with his grandfather

Daryl Macon and his grandfather, Robert Lee Harrison pose after his signing with the Hogs.

— When junior college shooting guard Daryl Macon signed with Arkansas last week, he made to sure acknowledge his grandfather, Robert Lee Harrison.

At the age of two, Macon’s father died of heart disease and his grandfather stepped in as a father figure.

“That’s my father,” Macon said. “Everybody knows my father died at a young age He was there for me and he kept a roof over my head. We were financially struggling and he was always there.”

Macon, 6-4, 185 pounds of Holmes Community College in Mississippi inked with the Hogs at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce in front of about 100 family and friends on Thursday. He learned numerous life lessons from his grandfather.

“Never give up,” said Macon, who played for Little Rock Parkview and the Arkansas Hawks during the spring and summer. “He’s like 85, 86 and he’s still working security. That’s a lot on me not to give up. I can’t give up and see him working that hard.”

Harrison said it was only natural for him to become a strong male influence to his grandson.

“He had to have somebody else look up to,” Harrison said. “The way I grew up I kind of thought of the days I was brought up as a young man. At that time, I needed a father and that made me more determined. That's my grandson. I couldn't help, but to do whatever I could.”

Macon, who was a first team All American as a freshman, was named the Mississippi Association of Community Junior College Player of the Week after averaging 31 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.5 steals in two games recently.

His first game at Bud Walton Arena with his grandfather in the stands will be emotional.

“I might cry,” Macon said. “Like I said it doesn’t seem real. If he’s there, I’m going to give him a show because he deserves it.”

Harrison will also have his share of emotions while watching his grandson.

“Just a heart full of joy to see him out there with the Razorbacks,” Harrison said. “Knowing that’s my grandchild and knowing how he grew up without a father.”