[2] Coming from old Tech High, Harlan was a fullback on the school's famous backfield of 1917, alongside halfbacks Everett Strupper and Joe Guyon, and quarterback Albert Hill.

[3][4] Harlan often blocked for Strupper or Guyon, performing notably as a freshman having to fill the void left by Tommy Spence.

"[6] Due to the First World War, Harlan was also a teammate of Auburn great Moon Ducote on the 1918 Cleveland Naval Reserves which upset national champion Pittsburgh by a 10 to 9 score.

"[6] Harlan came into his own upon returning to Tech for the 1919 season,[5] "the line plunger almost unfailingly good for "must" yardage to keep a drive rolling.

[8][9] Former Tech fullback Sam Murray, who played behind Doug Wycoff, was asked about a certain strong runner in the 1930s, "He's good.