Penn State, Penn Hills CB Daequan Hardy declares for NFL Draft
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Penn State will have to replace a longtime staple in its secondary.
Daequan Hardy (Penn Hills), a cornerback and electric punt returner for the Nittany Lions, has declared for the NFL Draft. He will play in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 30 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Hardy, a five-year contributor at Penn State, had one more year of eligibility remaining thanks to the NCAA’s covid waiver. But he will forgo that season and test the NFL waters.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God as he continues to bless me daily and on my football journey. Without him, none of this would be possible,” Hardy wrote in a statement.
“Thank you to my family, who has challenged me and supported me through all the ups and downs. They have made sacrifices along this journey allowing me to play the game I love.
“Finally, I want to thank Coach Franklin, Coach Terry, staff and players for making my time here at Penn State special and unforgettable. I poured my heart on the field (and) made relationships that will last a lifetime. This place will forever be etched in my heart.”
Hardy is coming off what he described last Friday as “one of my best years” in a Penn State uniform. The 5-foot-9, 178-pounder led the Nittany Lions with nine passes defended, including two interceptions.
Hardy also provided a spark on special teams, taking over as Penn State’s primary punt returner. He returned two punts for touchdowns against UMass — a 56-yarder in the first quarter and a 68-yarder in the second. Hardy also had an 86-yard punt return touchdown against Indiana called back on a penalty.
Hardy said returning punts “definitely helped” his NFL stock. He also considered his age when making his NFL decision, hoping to make it more feasible to land a favorable second contract in the league.
Hardy came to Penn State after starring at Penn Hills in the WPIAL. He was a three-star prospect in the Nittany Lions’ 2019 recruiting class, recruited heavily by cornerbacks coach Terry Smith.
Hardy is one of three cornerbacks the Nittany Lions are expected to lose to the NFL. Kalen King, a preseason All-American and at one point a projected first-round pick, hasn’t announced his decision. Johnny Dixon is out of eligibility and accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl.
“They were a great foundation for us. … They spoiled us. We knew we could cover,” Smith said Wednesday of Hardy, King and Dixon. “Losing those guys now, it’s a younger room. … There’s a tremendous opportunity. Who’s going to be the next guy? We know we have talent. But someone has to step into the light.”