Posted April 27, 2024 | Article by Alex Rocco | Photo by Nick Patterson
One of Penn State’s most electrifying players from a season ago is off the board.
Cornerback Daequan was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the No. 219 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Hardy heard his name called following a breakout redshirt senior season that saw him post 22 tackles, two interceptions, three tackles for loss, a sack and seven pass breakups.
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native also made his impact known as a punt returner, tallying 248 yards and two touchdowns on 17 returns in his first and only season playing the position.
Hardy made history against UMass when he became the first player in school history to return multiple punt returns for touchdowns in a single game. The two punt return scores are tied for the school record for most punt return touchdowns in a season with Larry Johnson (2001), Bruce Branch (1999), O.J. McDuffie (1991) and Jimmy Cefalo (1977).
His contributions on special teams Earned him second-team All-America honors from CBS Sports as a punt returner. He was a third-team All-Big Ten honoree as a cornerback voted by the coaches and an honorable mention selection voted by the media.
In 2021, Hardy was Penn State’s primary nickel cornerback where he made 16 tackles with three tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions and seven pass breakups. He was tied for 12th in the Big Ten with nine passes defended and tied for 15th in pass breakups with seven.
Hardy is the third defensive back taken this year from Penn State and the sixth over the past five years.
Alex Rocco is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email alex.rocco1702@gmail.com.
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