First, I apologize for the delay in this post, as this is obviously "old news", but the basketball fan in me has been somewhat distracted by the activities at Assembly Hall.
Just in case you were not already aware, Tracy Porter and James Hardy were drafted back-to-back last weekend in the second round of the NFL draft. Porter, picked 40th, was selected by the New Orleans Saints, and Hardy went 41st to the Buffalo Bills. Two day-one picks could be a huge boost to this program, especially if either man gets the opportunity to be a starter this season.
Porter is my vote for a potential starter, based on the needs of the Saints program. He needs to focus some on his tackling - be less concerned with the pick, and just make the solid play. It'll take him a long way. Tracy does get to enjoy a homecoming of sorts with his pick, having graduated from Port Allen H.S. in LA.
Hardy elected to forgo his senior season and go pro this year, and personally, I think it was a solid move for him. He needs to bulk up, and I fully expect it to take a year or two for him to truly develop, but I anticipate James will become a high-caliber player at the professional level. He's grown a great deal personally over the last few years, and I know the loss of Terry Hoeppner was especially hard for him. Given the strides he's made over the last 2 years, I can't wait to see what the next 2 (and more!) years hold in store for him.
I also want to mention that Josiah Sears and Tim Bugg have also been invited to attend mini-camps over the next few weeks. Sears will spend the weekend with the Chicago Bears, while long-snapper Bugg will be with the Bengals this weekend, and the N.Y. Giants next weekend. We hope to be able to report contracts for them in the near future!
My congratulations to all of these young men! We, as Hoosier fans, thank you for the last few seasons, and your part in reaching the dream of playing 13. Here's to long and fruitful careers!
