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Overview
Unearthing late-round talent that can contribute to your team is every scout's dream. Those who have ventured to Washington D.C. see in Hardie a player hungry for a good coaching mentor to help him further the progress he has shown the last two years. Not regarded as a prospect coming out of high school, he joined the Bison as a walk-on and spent three seasons observing the game as a reserve before getting his opportunity.
Hardie earned All-State twice at Hartford Public High School. He competed as a defensive end and linebacker during his three-year career, playing for head coach Jack LaPlante. Despite those honors, he was not able to secure a major college scholarship.
Known for its academic programs, Howard University welcomed Hardie as a walk-on in 2003. He spent that season competing on the scout team. He saw limited action in three games during the 2004 campaign, posting three tackles with a 4-yard sack. He played mostly as a reserve in 2005, piling up 20 tackles (10 solos) with two sacks and 5 ½ stops behind the line of scrimmage.
In 2006, Hardie emerged as a starter at right defensive end. The All-American and All-Mid Eastern Athletic Conference first-team choice led the nation with 20 stops for losses. He led the Bison with 9 ½ sacks, adding seven pressures, as he caused three fumbles and also broke up two passes. He added 51 tackles (33 solos) and proved his toughness by playing the final month of the season with a cartilage tear in his left knee.
Hardie repeated as an All-American and All-MEAC first-team choice in 2007. He did not have any sacks or stops behind the line of scrimmage in two of the season's first three games before catching fire. He produced 72 tackles (46 solos), as he led the team and ranked 10th nationally with 11 sacks. He led the nation with a school single-season record 24 ½ stops for losses, adding 10 pressures and a pass break-up. He also caused a pair of fumbles and recovered another.
In 36 games at Howard, Hardie started 24 contests, including 22 at right defensive end. He registered 156 tackles (90 solos) with 23 ½ sacks for minus-166 yards, 51 stops for losses of 231 yards and 19 quarterback pressures. He caused five fumbles, recovered another and deflected three passes.
Analysis
Positives: Has a thick torso and lean muscular tone, showing good speed, quickness, body control and change of direction agility out of his stance … Has that explosive first step and quick twitch moves, firing around the corner with good balance and lateral agility … His technique is still very raw and needs refinement, but he has that natural ability to rush the passer and is creative enough to generate constant pocket pressure … Shows good knee bend and mobility closing on the ball, demonstrating the urgency to combat through trash to make impact plays in the backfield … Even though he has just adequate timed speed, his body control and initial burst lets him close on the pocket in a hurry … Uses his long arms well to keep blockers off his body and is very good at fighting off block pressure when he keeps his hands active … Has the hand punch that can consistently get offensive linemen back on their heels as he has good arm-over action to defeat blockers in one-on-one situations … Tough and aggressive competitor who will play in pain … Uses his hands effectively to separate and slip blocks … Has above average hip snap and lateral agility coming off the edge … Brings his hips to unload on the ballcarriers and can flatten and squeeze vs. the down block to burst on the ball … Keeps his hands down properly vs. the low blocks and stays on his feet when redirecting through trash … With his high motor, he will do whatever it takes to get to the ballcarrier on the perimeter to redirect the outside runs back into traffic … Shows good ability as a pass-rusher, creating pressure with his athletic ability and has good hands for locking up his opponent and work his pass-rush moves … Closes on the quarterback with a good burst, especially once he gets free, showing proper shoulder dip and knee bend racing around the corner … Can bring enough power needed to shock blockers and gain leverage … His explosive first step off the line and quick hands allows him to defeat the slower blockers off the corner in isolated situations … Called by the coaching staff as having the best work ethic on the team.
Negatives: Compensates for a lack of football instincts with good athletic ability … Looks raw when trying to pick up schemes and identify plays … Struggles to recognize blocks when he gets too focused on the quarterback and he will then fail locate the football … Plays too high and struggles to hold the point-of-attack vs. runs directed right at him … Good battler in one-on-one confrontations, but lacks the raw strength to hold his ground and/or defeat the double-team … Gets his man down, but tackles a little too high when making plays in space (stays lower in his pads dipping into the backfield … Added good bulk before his senior year, but his arms and legs need more muscle tone (has lean, not ripped muscles) … Little high cut, causing him to waist bend at times … Is so intent on attacking the quarterback, that a savvy passer can fool him with misdirection and pump fakes … Better attacking the pocket off the edge, as he gets washed out by combo blocks when trying to bull rush inside … Has effective swim moves, but needs to add to his array as a pass rusher.
Compares To: OSI UMENYIORA-New York Giants … Yes, Hardie is a raw prospect who still needs to mature physically, but he is a relentless pass rusher. He might lack explosive timed speed, but his balance, body control and sheer determination has helped him reside in the opposition's backfield. Give him a few years under a patient coaching mentor and you could see the second coming of Umenyiora.
Injury Report
2006: Left the Delaware State game (11/18) in the first quarter with torn cartilage in his left knee.
