True Freshman All-American running back transfer Ahmad Hardy commits to Missouri

Louisiana-Monroe transfer running back and On3 True Freshman All-American Ahmad Hardy has committed to Missouri, he announced Wednesday night.

Hardy was the one of the nation’s most productive running backs in his first year at the college level, totaling 1,346 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. Those numbers were the best not only among freshmen ball-carriers but also ranked among the top 10 nationally of all backs.

He amassed more than 1,000 yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus.

The 5-foot-10, 205-pounder chose the Tigers over Ole Miss and Kentucky, both of whom hosted him for visits once the portal opened.

“I’ve watched running backs like [Nate] Noel and the running back before him, No. 9 [Marcus Carroll]. They’ve been successful. I told the running back coach, they always get off to a hot start,” Hardy told KSR ahead of his visit to Columbia. “Plus, I’ve never been there. I watched a couple of their games and their fans got into it. They play good, fundamental football. Why not go and see what they’re talking about? I’m going over there to see, weigh my options, see what they have to offer, and see how I’d fit into their program.”

Hardy will have three years of eligibility remaining with the Tigers, who lost freshman running back Kewan Lacy to the portal earlier this week. Ironically enough, Lacy signed with Ole Miss, likely opening a spot for Eli Drinkwitz and Co. to bring in one the country’s top backs.

Hardy is the No. 6 overall prospect and No. 1 running back in On3’s transfer portal rankings.

Latest addition for the Tigers is a big one

After just 10 days of the portal being open, Missouri already has six commitments, including four on the defensive side of the ball.

That includes two of the best linebackers in the portal — West Virginia transfer Josiah Trotter and Nebraska transfer Mikai Gbayor. Trotter is the No. 3 LB in On3’s rankings after finishing second on the West Virginia team last season with 92 tackles, including 4 tackles for loss.

Gbayor, who checks in as the No. 5 LB, was a starter for the Cornhuskers, and totaled 73 tackles, three pass breakups and 1.5 sacks across two seasons. He will have two years of eligibility remaining. They’re joined by Northwest Missouri transfer defensive lineman Langden Kitchen, Northern Illinois safety Santana Banner and Mississippi State receiver Kevin Coleman.

With those six in the fold, Missouri ranks No. 9 in the On3 Team Transfer Portal Rankings.