Penn State cornerback Daequan Hardy announces Peach Bowl, NFL Draft plans

Penn State is losing another player to the 2024 NFL Draft. Fifth-year cornerback Daequan Hardy released a statement indicating that his time with the Nittany Lions will be over after the Peach Bowl. But, he will play against Ole Miss on Dec. 30 in Atlanta.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God as he continues to bless me daily & on my football journey,” Hardy wrote on Twitter. “Without him, none of this would be possible. Thank you to my family, who has challenged me and supported me through all the ups and downs. They have made sacrifices along this journey allowing me to play the game love.

“Finally, I want to thank Coach Franklin, Coach Terry, staff and players for making my time here at Penn state special and unforgettable. I poured my heart on the field made relationships that will last a lifetime. This place will forever be etched in my heart. With that being said, after a lot of thought & prayers, I will be forgoing my remaining year of eligibility and declaring for the 2024 NFL draft. I am excited to take the field one last time with my brothers in the Peach Bowl.”

Breaking down Hardy’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft

The move does not come as a major surprise. There are not many players who want to spend a sixth season in college. That’s especially true of ones who have played as much football as Hardy has. He has played in nearly 40 contests for Penn State so far. He has 53 tackles (7.5 for loss), five interceptions (including one he returned for a touchdown in 2021), and 19 pass breakups. Hardy spent three seasons as the team’s primary slot cornerback. He also took over the punt return role midway through the 2023 season, and returned two for a touchdown. Hardy said at local bowl media day in December that his age is a factor in the decision.

“Obviously just my time here, my age, moving on to the next level, that’s a big thing, trying to make it to the second contract,” Hardy said when asked about the decision-making process. “So just really my age, and just taking in what the coaches tell me, what the agents tell me, and just going from there.”

Hardy clearly thought it was time to make the jump. And, it’s hard to argue with him. The Pittsburgh native was very productive in blue and white. Now, he’ll try and parlay elite speed and good coverage skills despite not being the biggest player into a sustained job at the NFL level.

Tracking Penn State player decisions

Here’s what else we learned so far:

Lions tackle Olu Fashanu said he is undecided about both playing in the game and his decision to leave for the NFL or come back for another year. He is expected to leave. Whether or not he will play in the Peach Bowl is up in the air. It feels unlikely. But, he is practicing with the team and will travel to Atlanta.

Penn State end Adisa Isaac said as a captain, he feels like he has a responsibility to both be with his team at the Peach Bowl and play in it. But, logic dictates that he will be on a snap count. He has not yet made a stay-or-go decision.

Lions tight end Tyler Warren will play in the Peach Bowl. But, he was not yet ready to reveal his future plans beyond that.

Lions cornerback Daequan Hardy is playing in the Peach Bowl.

The list above is only reflective of the players who were made available at last Friday’s local media day. Other Penn State players who would have been asked the same question if available include cornerbacks Kalen King and Johnny Dixon, offensive lineman Sal Wormley, receivers Dante Cephas and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and running back Trey Potts. We’ll see if any of them are available in Atlanta. That is the next time the progam is set to make any players available.

Beyond that, we already know two other details. Chop Robinson won’t play in the Peach Bowl and is off to the NFL Draft. And, tight end Theo Johnson plus tackle Caedan Wallace and linebacker Curtis Jacobs will play but have already declared for the Draft.