Biography: All-Conference selection as a senior after breaking into the starting lineup and posting career rushing totals of 264/1306/12, while adding 21/2 123/1 catching the ball. Junior totals included 373 yards rushing, after 384 as a sophomore.

Positives: Strong, well-sized back who took his game to another level last season. Patient, waits for blocks to develop, and follows them everywhere on the field. Displays good running vision, quickly finds the hole, and has a burst through it. Works runs on the inside, plays with good lean and keeps his feet driving on contact. Breaks tackles to pick up yardage off initial contact or falls forward when tackled.

Negatives: Better carrying the ball on the inside, and lacks the speed to turn the corner. Loses a lot of momentum when he must quickly cut back against the grain. Not a natural pass catcher out of the backfield.

Analysis: Hardesty turned in a tremendous senior season and went from street free agent to legitimate mid-round choice. He may never be a starter at the next level, yet he has all the tools necessary to be used as a rotational back.

Projection: 4th