Interview: 2017 Texas JUCO OLB/FS Edd Hardeman is another Cisco Player Ready for Next Level

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

It seems that most college coaches at four-year schools look at junior college players, by and large, as fall back options to fill holes in a recruiting class year after year. Somewhere along the way the reality of having a player, more times than not, two years the senior of an incoming freshman, two years more physically mature, and two years more experienced on the gridiron is lost when viewing junior college recruits. One player who took advantage of his two years in the JUCO ranks that should not be overlooked is Edd Hardeman.

Hardeman is a coaches’ player. The 5-11, 190 pound, athlete can play outside linebacker and free safety. He can run, hit, cover, plays with great instincts and determination, and never gives up on a play showing max effort on every snap. He is consistent too. During his freshman season with Cisco, Hardeman racked up 49 tackles and six sacks playing in his hybrid role. His sophomore year was much the same tallying 50 tackles, two tackles for a loss, forced two fumbles, recovered a fumble, and broke up five passes showing his increasing ability to cover the slot.

The San Antonio area product is starting to see his recruitment pick up as the recruiting trail heats up. Early interest has come in from Henderson State, Morgan State, and Prairie View A&M. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Hardeman to get an update on his recruitment while covering his two seasons at the JUCO level.

Interview

Edd, you play a hybrid linebacker/safety position, which position do you like best?

“I like linebacker more, I like being in the box more.”

How has your game grown this season?

“Adjusting to the game speed. My 40 got better. I was at 4.65, I dropped down to 4.57. I’m more comfortable against slot receivers now. That is my main thing. I am aggressive on the field. Some packages I play free safety. In our conference, we play against a lot of teams that use slot receivers. I had to adjust. My man and zone coverage skills have gotten a lot better.”

We talked about how your game has gotten better, what are the strengths to your game?

“I’m one of those physical type of guys. My knowledge of the game is a strength. My coaches like that. I am football savvy. That has helped me play all these positons. My footwork is a strength. I may not be 40 fast but I can hang with anyone because of my footwork and knowledge of the game. Reading keys, stopping the run, and awareness of the offense. I am way better with my eyes noticing what the offense is doing in RPO (run pass option offense). Every team in our conference runs that. I am good a disturbing that with my alignment and knowledge of the game.”

What is your approach to each game?

“Each game I like to get with my roommate and go over the film together. He is the safety high on the opposite end. We study the QB together. We find a way to disrupt their RPO. Our defensive coach likes to ask us why we are playing the game and why we are doing this. We talk about why we are doing this. Anything I can do with my team to get better I like doing it.”

What makes you a better player than other junior college OLB/FS?

“I’m faster than others and my knowledge of the game. You will see a lot of guys that are big but cannot cover. I can come off the edge, cover the slot, and stop the run. That is what you want from a guy in the box. I can do it all. I’m not one-dimensional.”

When you pick a four-year college to play for next season, what will influence that decision?

“The first thing would have to be academics. I am big on that. Once I came here that opened my eyes. The second thing is the coaching staff. How well they prepare. A good coaching staff will have the team prepared. I want a coach I can learn from. That is really it. I’m humble and thankful for schools willing to extend a scholarship. Academics and coach, that’s it. I want to have a personal relationship with the coaching staff.

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Henderson State, Morgan State, and Prairie View A&M.”

Have you taken any official or unofficial visits yet?

“I was supposed to go to Morgan State (Baltimore) two weeks ago. I’m in the process of rescheduling that right now. I’m scheduled to visit Prairie View A&M this weekend. I took an unofficial there before. I liked the school and loved the coaching staff. Henderson State asked for my transcripts. I’m waiting on word back from them now.”

What is your overall GPA?

“2,86.”

When do you graduate?

In December.”

Is there a player at the next level you watch to learn more about the game?

“Yes, sir. My favorite player, I think he’s an excellent player, is Jabrill Peppers (Michigan). I see my game in his. I want to get to that level. I’m trying to get where he is at now. I try to learn how he plays outside linebacker and how he covers. I train with speed and explosiveness to get my game at his level.”

Edd, thanks for your time today and good luck on your visit to Prairie View A&M.

“Thank you.”

Click the link to watch Edd Hardeman’s Hudl reel.

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Photo credits: buccaneersports.com; No. 21 Edd Hardeman.