DeAngelo Hardy’s efficiency throughout North Central College’s NCAA Division III quarterfinal sport on Saturday made folks surprise.
Has anybody ever executed that?
The senior extensive receiver recorded his 57th profession landing catch, tying Andrew Kamienski’s program document. Hardy additionally threw a TD move, intercepted a Hail Mary throw on the finish of the primary half and returned an onside kick for a TD.
“The stat line is silly,” NCC coach Brad Spencer stated. “It just shows his versatility. That’s why so many NFL scouts have come through. You just have to tip your cap and recognize how superior an athlete and football player he is.”
The 6-foot-2, 197-pound Hardy’s highlights through the top-ranked Cardinals’ 55-42 highway win in opposition to No. 4 Wisconsin-La Crosse are simply the newest in a profession full of them for the Lakes graduate.
Hardy acknowledged it might be the primary time such a mix of performs has ever been occurred in a university soccer sport. He additionally took a playful swipe at star cornerback Antwain Walker, an Oswego East graduate who doesn’t have an interception this season.
Ultimately, although, that’s not what’s on Hardy’s thoughts.
“It means a lot, but I don’t want that to distract me from my end goal,” he stated. “I have my eyes on the main prize.”
The Cardinals (13-0), who’re the defending nationwide champions and winners of two of the previous three titles, will go on the highway once more to play No. 3 Wartburg (13-0) in a semifinal in Waverly, Iowa, at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
“It gives us a challenge,” Hardy stated. “We love enjoying through the common season, however that is what we play for.
“We’re just being present and enjoying our time with each other. We’re trying to embrace being with everybody and being grateful for where we are.”
Hardy is an enormous cause for the Cardinals’ success. He has 66 catches for 1,179 yards and 19 TDs as star quarterback Luke Lehnen’s high goal, two speeding TDs, three TD passes and the kickoff return. Hardy ranks second behind Kamienski in profession receptions and profession receiving yards.
“He’s got so many strengths,” NCC offensive coordinator Eric Stuedemann stated. “He’s a complete football player. You saw that on full display this past weekend. As a program, we try to put each player in the best opportunity and cater toward their strengths to help the team. He can help the team in so many ways.”
Despite all of the expertise, Hardy has remained humble, in line with Spencer.
“He’s never once in his time here come to me and said, ‘How are you going to get me the ball? I need more touches,’” Spencer stated. “Not once. To have a receiver of his ability never complain or ask for the football, he’s been so much fun to be around these last few years.”
Hardy’s versatility, velocity and body have resulted in droves of NFL scouts descending on Naperville. He stated he’s hoping to be the first-ever NCC participant to be drafted.
“They like my versatile playing style,” he stated. “They additionally say it’s my data and measurement and velocity. Hopefully they hold liking what they see and on draft day they decide me.
“I’ve had the mindset that I have to get drafted and that’s why I do all the hard work. I need to do it for me and my family. We’ve been through a lot in my life.”
Stuedemann is hopeful too.
“I feel like he should get an opportunity,” Stuedemann stated. “That’s all you can ever ask for. Then it’s on him to make the most of it, like he has throughout his career here.”
Hardy’s eyes are on Wartburg, nonetheless.
“Just focusing and staying present in the moment,” he stated. “After the season, I’ll get into NFL training. This is my last year with the guys. I’m enjoying my time with them.”
Paul Johnson is a contract reporter for the Naperville Sun.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com