Interview: 4-Star Georgia 2021 WR Shawn Hardy Covers Workouts and Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Going one-on-one with Class of 2021 receiver Shawn Hardy is a losing proposition for any corner out there. Hardy is not only athletic and strong, but he is big (6-3, 190) and fast, laying down a confirmed 4.49. As good as he is now at tearing apart secondaries for Camden County High School (GA), he is only just getting started putting together his game.
Hardy has earned four-star recruiting status from ESPN for good reason, his skillset is undeniable. He broke onto the 7A Georgia football scene as a sophomore hauling in 36 passes for 795 yards with five touchdowns scored in 11 games. His junior run was much the same, but with more scrutiny from opposing defenses, securing 33 passes for 562 yards with seven trips into the end zone. All the work put in on the field has brought 13 offers Hardy’s way with interest continuing to rise.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Hardy sits down for an in-depth one-on-one covering his play on the field and upcoming recruiting visits.
Interview
Shawn, you had another standout season with Camden County in 2019. Your speed pops, and I don’t see you losing many footraces. What is the best-timed run you’ve posted?
“My best 40 is 4.44 when we were messing around. But in the weight room doing testing, I ran a 4.49.”
Nice. Within the Wildcats’ Spread offense, they have you lining up on the inside and outside, what were some of the routes you were running in 2019?
“I ran a lot of go-routes, that was my main thing. I was running slants, posts, skinny posts, and a lot of corners.”
How were defenses trying to cover you?
“They would try to jam me and make me go inside. They’d let me pick my route; I would run go-routes. They would try to hang with me man-to-man.”
Which areas of your game improved the most during your junior season?
“My football knowledge. Back in 10th grade, I did not know the game. I was just fast and out there. I have studied more and learned more about the game. My route running is faster per se, and I am faster.”
Over the offseason, which areas of your game are you focusing on the most to improve upon before your senior season?
“My route running. That is something I need to work on the most. I have the speed, but I can always be sharper. I am studying the game more too.”
Where all might you be showing the skills off at camps this offseason?
“I have been invited to Under Armour All-American Game.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“Alabama, Oregon – they are texting more, and Louisville.”
You have a lot, how many total offers are you holding?
“13.”
Hardy’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Purdue, South Carolina, and West Virginia
Have you visited any schools over the last few months?
“Yes. I have taken visits to Kentucky, LSU, Arkansas, and Georgia Tech.”
How did the trip to Kentucky go?
“It was cold. I was there for the Louisville game, it was cold and raining hard; other than that, I love it up there.”
And LSU, how did that go?
“That was incredible. Death Valley is like no other place. The fans are loud and everyone was into it. It was incredible.”
What about the Arkansas visit?
“It was a good visit. I went up there, watched them practice. It was good.”
Coming up, do you have any planned trips?
“There are some Junior Day visits I plan on taking to Georgia Tech, West Virginia and Louisville. I will go on more visits over the offseason.”
Shawn, with each visit you take, what are you seeking to learn about any given program during your time on campus?
“I want to learn the offense. I watch the teams on TV, watch their games. I am looking for my best fit.”
It was great getting time in with you today. Appreciate it, and wish you success with your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Hardy family; Shawn Hardy at LSU and West Virginia