The disappointment is purely selfish. I love this football team, and would love to see him here for one more year. To be able to try one more time for a better turnout at a bowl game. Hardy is a solid player, and obviously an asset to the squad. I would have loved to see him here for that one more year.
Sadly, it's a wise move for James. He is unlikely to improve with another year here. He's ready for the next level. He will improve, but that will only come for him now by increasing the level at which he is being trained and playing at. He will be leaving IU as a graduate (always a plus!), and is a late first or early to mid second round pick. That's hard to walk away from. How many young men are going to graduate college, and then pass up a few million bucks to hang out and play with his buddies one more year, running the risk of career ending injury before the career even begins? It's the best move for him.
James leaves us with the following: (This list is in no way all inclusive!)
- Hoosiers all-time single season record holder in receptions
- Hoosiers all-time single season record holder in touchdown catches
- Hoosiers all-time career record holder in receiving yards
- 2007 first team All Big Ten selection (Coaches and Media- first Hoosier receiver since 1987)
- Biletnikoff Award semi-finalist
Not bad for a kid who just a few years ago found himself in legal trouble. It became clear to me that after some quality time with a quality man, Coach Terry Hoeppner, Hardy had matured. He made a decision to be a better man. I think he did so, and this is just the natural progression of life, now.
So James, we wish you the very best. I do ask one thing. Please, don't name your high school when you're on Monday Night Football. Tell 'em. James Hardy. Indiana University. I've lost an awful lot of respect for some guys I thought were pretty good over that.James Hardy. Indiana University. We'll see you on a Monday night.
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