Penn Hills grad Daequan Hardy playing key role in Penn State’s deep cornerback room
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When Penn State’s defense forces opponents into long-yardage situations this season, the spotlight will fall on veteran corners Kalen King and Johnny Dixon.
King is a potential first-round pick next year, and Dixon intercepted two passes and was credited with 10 pass breakups in 2022.
PSU corners coach Terry Smith knows how valuable King and Dixon are in coverage, and he also knows what kind of impact fellow corners Daequan Hardy and Cam Miller can have.
Hardy, a fifth-year veteran, is Penn State’s slot corner, and Miller, a second-year player, will play a big role in coordinator Manny Diaz’s defense after appearing in 11 games a year ago.
“He’s our starting nickel (corner),” Smith said when asked about Hardy earlier this month. “He’s been that for three years, so he’s played a ton of football. He’s super experienced. He’s super smart. He’s one of the leaders in the room.
“With him coming back, Johnny (Dixon) coming back, Kalen (King), those three are all starters returning for us. Those guys have played tremendous.”
The 5-foot-9, 181-pound Hardy, who played at Penn Hills, has appeared in every game the last three seasons. He was credited with 11 pass breakups and three interceptions the last two years.
Smith said a slot corner faces different challenges than corners who work on the outside.
“He’s a tremendous asset to us,” Smith said of Hardy. “Playing in the slot, receivers have a two-way-go, and it’s hard. You’re out on an island. You’re in space. Space isn’t your friend. But he’s got quickness. He’s got speed to make up. He’s got a great skill set.
“He’s a great cover corner. He’s physical. He fits into the run game, and he’s super smart so he’s always prepared for what’s coming at him.”
The 6-0, 182-pound Miller should see plenty of action as one of PSU’s top reserves, and his snaps will increase if there is an injury to one of the veteran corners.
“Cam Miller’s that next guy that’s going to step into it,” Smith said. “We did not redshirt him last year because we knew he would be the next guy, so we’re super excited about those four.”
Four young corners are still finding their way: true freshmen Elliot Washington, Zion Tracy and Lamont Payne Jr., along with redshirt freshman Audavion Collins, a transfer from Mississippi State.
“We’ve got four young guys that, hopefully, one or two of those guys will emerge and fill out the travel roster,” Smith said.