Harlow was a four year letterman at USC and was named All PAC 10 first team his senior season. He arrived at USC as a defensive tackle but after losing his starting position his sophomore season he switched to the offensive line. He played in three consecutive Rose Bowls for the Trojans. He was taken by the Patriots in the first round of the 1991 NFL draft as the 11th overall selection and started 94 games during an eight year career with New England and Oakland. His son Sean plays offensive line at Oregon State.