After Saturday’s Under Armor All-American practice, former four-star recruit and Sooners tight end Jaydan Hardy spoke with the AllSooners about his future in Norman.
ORLANDO – Oklahoma defensive back Jaydan Hardy has already gotten a taste of college football, but the four-star rookie is still in Orlando for the Under Armor All-American game.
While most players attending upcoming college bowl games choose not to attend star-studded events like the Under Armor game, Hardy decided he still wanted to attend a special event with his future teammates.
“It’s great to be here. “It’s like our pre-college life together in college.” Hardy told the AllSooners.
“As you know, we are staying in a hotel. Let’s just get to know each other on the spot.
“It’s a fun experience to be around these guys.”Hardy was one of seven Sooners to participate in the team’s Alamo Bowl practice, along with Xavier Robinson, Nigel Smith, Jayden Jackson, Michael Hawkins, Eli Bowen and Wyatt Gilmore.
Hardy told AllSooners that she and Bowen will be roommates during their first year on campus.
The safety prospect seemed to be having a blast working with his future coaches and teammates in Norman and San Antonio.
“We started the process early, practicing and going into the studio with them,” Hardy said.
“I told them what kind of player I am and our relationship.
And the building we had in high school is as strong as they thought.
“Hardy is one of four Oklahoma State representatives on Team Ice, along with forwards Daniel Akinkunmi and Eugene Brooks on the offensive line and five-star defensive end David Stone on the other side of the ball.
Davon Mitchell, a four-star prospect who signed with OU in December, is the Sooners’ lone representative on Team Fire.
On the first night of practice, both Hardy and Stone looked like first-team defense for Team Ice.
During the drive, Hardy’s football intelligence was evident as the talented DB was in the right position on what felt like every snap.
While driving, Hardy “caught” a pass from a coach who served as the scout team quarterback.
After returning the ball for a pick-6, Hardy and Stone danced and celebrated together in the end zone, giving Norman a look into the future for two talented defensive prospects.
After practice, Hardy told the AllSooners how excited he was to play with Stone again in college.
“(Play the rock) shows how much of an advantage the D-line has on you, especially the guys dominating up front,” Hardy said. “
You know, I had to sit down and hide for two seconds. I think that’s good enough for me.Hardy, a native of Lewisville, Texas, is a four-star recruit who is ranked as the No. 170 nationally and No. 13 safety by Rivals.
The Dallas-area native is a very smart player who will fit in well with Oklahoma State safeties coach Brandon Hall and head coach Brent Venables.
The safety is one of the most important roles on defense, usually from the middle linebacker position, reading route patterns, identifying routes and executing schemes.
He says this is one of the strengths of his game.“It’s just IQ, being where I need to be.
I focus on the mental game of the sport and always try to stay one step ahead,” Hardy said. “… I gather my sons.
We’re always on the same page.”In addition to playing point guard in Orlando, Hardy also served as a punt returner when Team Ice coached special teams.
After wrapping up his time as an Under Armor All-American this week, Hardy will return to Norman and begin his first semester as a member of the Sooners football team.
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