ULM RB Transfer Ahmad Hardy Previews Kentucky Visit, Adds New Visit to Schedule

The No. 2 ranked running back in the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings is getting ready to take a visit to Kentucky. Louisiana-Monroe transfer Ahmad Hardy will visit Kentucky on Dec. 19th, but before that he’s added another visit to the schedule.

The 5-foot-10, 205-pound running back told KSR+ that he will be visiting Missouri from Dec. 17-18th. He’s already visited Ole Miss. Hardy has three years of eligibility remaining.

Hardy sat down with KSR+ for an interview to preview his upcoming Kentucky visit. He also laid out his plans for the rest of his recruitment.

“I’ve been talking to the running back coach [Jay Boulware] every day,” Hardy said. “He seems like a good person. We’ve been talking about how I would fit into the program and stuff like that. They have good people down there, a good support staff, and good people that will support you down there.”

Previewing His Kentucky Visit

Ahmad Hardy is going to be paying attention to the environment and the people during his Kentucky visit. Those are the two most important factors for him.

“I’m a country boy, so I know down there they ride horses and stuff like that,” Hardy said. “I’m looking at the atmosphere and the people and see how it goes from there. I want to see what type of people are down there, what type of atmosphere is there, do I like it, do I like the environment?”

Kentucky already has a running back likely to return in Jamarion Wilcox. Hardy isn’t fazed by the idea of splitting carries.

“If I go over there, I can be the man,” he said. “Of course, we have to split carries or whatever because I don’t want to tear up my body, but I feel like I can fit in the scheme, start right away, and help the team win ball games.”

Recapping His Ole Miss Visit

Ahmad Hardy has plenty of suitors in the transfer portal after going from unranked recruit to star player in just one season. He feels like he was overlooked previously.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Hardy said. “Where I’m from, a lot of people don’t get to do what I’m doing right now. I’m doing this at an early age as a true freshman. I’m just grateful. I thank God because a lot of people where I’m from don’t have this opportunity. I’m taking it one day at a time and weighing my options.”

Hardy took an official visit to Ole Miss on Dec. 11th. It was his first official visit during this transfer cycle. He said Ole Miss running back coach Kevin Smith made a strong impression.

“That’s who I really liked down there. He’s a down-to-earth guy. We were kind of in the same predicament our freshman year, getting looked over,” Hardy said. “We put up stats, work hard, and just do what’s best for us. The people down there are great, the environment, the facilities, and all of that. They were telling me about nutrition, and transitioning into that school, it seems like it’s a great place to be. It’s also closer to home.”

Looking Ahead to Missouri While Laying Out Commitment Timeline

As for his upcoming Missouri visit, Ahmad Hardy is excited to see what the Tigers have to offer. Missouri’s pedigree of running backs has appealed to him.

“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 said. “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 said he doesn’t have a timetable for a commitment. It could happen at any time.

“I may commit this weekend or I may commit in January,” he said. “I honestly don’t know. I’m just weighing my options, to be honest.”

Hardy said he’s looking at playing time and opportunity. Then, there’s the aspect of NIL.

“We have to make sure the money is straight and all of that,” he said. “Then, we’ll be ready to go.”

Ahmad Hardy’s Game

Ahmad Hardy entered the 2024 season as an unranked recruit. He exceeded all expectations by rushing for 1,351 yards on 5.7 yards per rush and 13 touchdowns as a true freshman earning first-team All-Sun Belt honors. 

“I got overlooked and I’ve got something to prove,” Hardy said. “My vision and making people miss with yards after contact [are my strengths]. My job is not to let people tackle me and that’s what I live by. I believe I have pretty good vision.”

Hardy is looking to improve his pad level, ball security, and most importantly his pass blocking. He likes to play in an outside zone system.

“I’m big on loyalty and big on people,” he said. “They have to be good people. I’m coming up there to have a good time and we’ll see how it goes.”