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Penn State corner Daequan Hardy talks offseason gains, teammates standing out, and more

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•04/19/22•

GregPickel

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Penn State corner Daequan Hardy returns an interception during the Michigan State game. (BWI photo)

It’s not hyperbole to say that Daequan Hardy is one of the most underrated members of the Penn State football roster.

The 5-foot-9, 182-pound Pittsburgh, Pa., native would not have ended up a Nittany Lion if not for a late offer. But, the former Penn Hills star took the opportunity and has run with it, quite literally. His speed has been one of the biggest reasons why he played so much in 2020 and 2021 after being named one of the program’s developmental squad players of the year on defense in 2019.

Now, he’s hoping 2022 can be his best season yet.

“I’m just trying to get better every day,” Hardy said Tuesday. Just working the process. The process is just going out there and competing and making myself better while also making other guys across the ball better.

“[I’m] just getting better, and picking up the defense, learning a new defense. And, also helping the offense recognize coverages and things of that sort.”

Hardy played the third-most snaps of any corner on the Penn State roster as the team’s oft-used nickelback in 2021. It’s a role he seems built for, and the Lions consider him the third starter in his position room.

The question now, however, becomes whether he slides outside as a possible replacement for Tariq Castro-Fields or if he’ll stay in the role that he’s been in. The latter seems like the best for both the player and the team. But, it’s also one of many questions new coordinator Manny Diaz must answer before the fall as he sorts through a talented secondary.

“We’re younger, but we have a lot of talent and a lot of potential to do greater things than what we did last year,” Hardy said. “I really like how our DBs are locked in and focused. I feel like we’re almost more together because we lost a couple of big pieces. So, we have to really tighten down and pick up the slack.”

Hardy hits on some other Penn State topics

Here are some other quick-hit notes from the Penn State defensive back’s Tuesday conference call:

On what he likes about Diaz

“He’s a great coach,” Hardy said. “The one thing that stands out to me the most is, he’s a big energy guy. He brings the energy to the defense. We all rally around those. He’s been a great addition to the team so far.”

On second-year corner Kalen King

“He’s a young, up-and-coming guy,” Hardy said. “We expect a lot of things from him this season. He’s been getting better in his man coverage, his zone; it’s a new defense, but he’s picking up the defense well. We’re really excited to see what he does this year.”

On newcomer receivers Mitchell Tinsley, Kaden Saunders, and Omari Evans

“I really like Mitchell Tinsley,” Hardy said. “He’s very quick and nifty in his routes. He’s going to be a great addition to the offensive. Omari Evans is one of those fast guys who can blow off the top. He’ll be another good addition, and including Kaden Saunders, who’s another nice, little shifty, small receiver. They’re pretty good.”

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