Interview: 2021 Calabasas WR Devin Hardy has All the Tools for Big Breakout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Potential coupled with learning and opportunity spells trouble for Division 1/2 California defenses during the 2020 season. Class of 2021 target Devin Hardy was caught in a logjam a year ago behind two of the best senior receivers in the nation, Jermaine Burton and Johnny Wilson, limiting his opportunities on the field. But not all was lost. The 6-4, 190-pound, rising Calabasas High School star was able to see how the best of the best do it, and has the determination to fill the voids left by the graduating players. Furthermore, in addition to time logged on the field in 2019, he also went against one of the more talented secondaries in California, his own teammates, highlighted by five-star Class of 2022 safety Larry Turner.
All 2021 prospects in Hardy’s position are ready to make their mark this fall. Beyond Hardy’s physical attributes of size, speed, and athleticism, he is killing it in the classroom. He is sporting a 4.6 cumulative GPA with a goal of pushing that achievement to a 5.0 with five AP classes during his senior year.
In an RNG first-look, Hardy heads into the RNG Lab to talk football and recruiting.
Interview
Devin, how did the 2019 season go for you on the field?
“The season did not go as planned; I broke my arm in spring practice. I missed the first four or five games. I was working my way back into the rotation last season. I was learning behind Johnny Wilson (Arizona State) and Jermaine Burton (Georgia). Last season was a learning experience more than anything.”
As mentioned, there were a lot of great upperclassmen on the Calabasas team last season, guys like Jermaine Burton and Johnny Wilson. What were some of the things you learned from them about the position?
“Jermaine was a fast guy; he showed me how to run my routes better, breaking down, and getting out of my breaks. Johnny taught me how to use my height, he’s 6-6. He also taught me about fighting for the ball in the air.”
There were also some standout players in the Coyotes secondary. What was it like in practice going up against your teammates?
“That was probably the biggest part, competing in practice. That helped me a lot. Our practices resembled games from the tempo to the competition. I was always competing working my way into the rotation.”
The full install may not be in, but with the new coaching staff coming in, what style of offense will you guys run in 2020?
“It will be a lot like last year, but there will be some differences. We will be in the Spread, but we will focus on the run and passing game. We have a lot of great receivers; me at 6-foot 4-inched, Amoni Butler at 6-foot 2-inches, and Jaylen Blizzard, he’s 5-11. There is no way all three of us can be guarded at the same time.”
How will you be used within the scheme?
“I think what we will do, we will be moved around a lot. The three of us, we can play all the positions. We will rotate at all of the receiver positions. They will use me as a deep threat and on short routes. We have Wilson Schwartz at tight end; he’s big. That will open up opportunities for all of us.”
How have you been preparing for your senior year?
“My biggest thing is my speed. I have been running a lot. To take my game to the next level and to beat every DB out there, I have to work on my top end speed. I have to keep working on that. To improve my speed, I’ve been running hills. We were working on passing game, making that connection; I think we will have a great season.”
Will you be playing any other positions in 2020?
“Yes. This year, guys will have to play both ways. I played strong and free safety in past years. Other than that, I will be playing receiver and in the slot.”
What has been your daily routine while away from school?
“Other than running, I go into my backyard to workout. I am doing sit-ups, push-ups, burbies, squats, using a pull-up bar, and jumping rope. I workout for a couple of hours every day. I am also using YouTube a lot, looking up workout routines. That is a big help.”
Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest heading into the summer camp period?
“The Ivy League teams, all of them. Columbia, UPenn, Dartmouth, Princeton, Rice, Cornell, Wake Forest, Brown, Bucknell, Army, and Harvard are all showing interest.”
Did you get a chance to visits any programs before the dead period?
“We had trips planned to Columbia, UPenn, Dartmouth, and Brown that were all cancelled. I have been invited to camp at every Ivy League program; I am hoping to be able to camp at those schools. Before the shutdown, I have been to Stanford, Arizona State, University of San Diego, Sacramento State, Princeton, and Columbia.”
Once things open back up, are there any planned visits on the schedule?
“During the summer, I am definitely going to the four schools that were planned. I want to hit all eight Ivy League schools to show them in-person at the camps what I can do. I know that will help the recruiting process.”
Going into the classroom. What is your cumulative GPA?
“My GPA is a 4.6. I try to set myself apart with my grades. I want to match my talent on the field with my grades. I am taking all AP classes. During my senior year, I will load up my schedule. I am taking five AP classes next year so I can graduate with a 5.0.”
Impressive. Devin, thank you for your time today and good luck with your home workouts until things open back up.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Calabasas HS/Hardy family; Devin Hardy