Louisville RB commit Justice Hardy
Two-time All-State selection Justice Hardy had 24 Division I offers. On Friday, the 5'9, 190-pound running back made his decision. The Wilson junior is headed to Louisville. "It was a dream when I was six years old, when I first started playing football, to play at this level and play in the NFL. It's been eleven years of straight work trying to get to the point I am today. I just got one step closer to my dream," Hardy told SV Sports' Paul Roberts. He chose the Cardinals over Maryland, North Carolina, Wake Forest, West Virginia, and Pittsburgh. "Louisville felt like home the most. I went with my gut and I believe that was the best decision for me. I can't wait to get started in the Ville," he said.
Cardinals' head coach Jeff Brohm agreed to an eight-year contract extension last week. "That sealed the deal for sure...A big thing was a stable coaching staff because we don't want to go to a school and transfer after a year," acknowledged Hardy. Brohm is (28-12) over three years at his alma mater. The Cardinals have won at least nine games each season. They finished (9-4, 4-4) this past season and beat Toledo 27-22 in the Boca Raton Bowl. "I have a real opportunity to play early, but there's some work to be done. They develop players real well," noted Hardy. The versatile 17-year-old can run the ball inside and outside, as well as move to slot receiver.
Hardy averaged 8.6 yards per carry as a freshman at Wyomissing. He scored a dozen touchdowns and made four interceptions. Hardy had a team-high 979 rushing yards and 15 TD last fall as a junior. He averaged an eye-popping 10.8 yards per carry and added four touchdown catches. The All-State defensive back also contributed 40 tackles, four forced fumbles, and three interceptions. In addition to his talent, Hardy has a tremendous work ethic. He can bench press 335 pounds and squat 510. Hardy transferred to neighboring Wilson in December and will be eligible for the playoffs. "I love it here, can't wait to play in this stadium. We've got a great coaching staff that's there to keep all of us humble," he emphasized. The Bulldogs currently hold the state record with 50 consecutive winning seasons.