The Real Deal on James Hardy, the Best Possible Selection, Please Read!

[OT Thriller]

James Hardy is the absolute best selection the Bills could have possibly made. He is the tall receiver we need yet some of you still arent convinced.

Why is that? Because most people don't know much about him. How many people have watched at least one Indiana Hoosiers football game? Not many, I figured. As a student of Indiana University and a Hoosier football fan, I have followed James Hardy throughout his career.

So let me straighten out the facts for the people who think they know James Hardy.

First off, cut the garbage with Hardy's character issues. He made a mistake when he was a younger, immature member on the Hoosiers football team back in 2006. Since then, Hardy has proven nothing but being an outstanding player and person in the Indiana University community.

As a junior this season, he led an Indiana team that was young and had just dealt with the death of their head coach. This Hoosier football team was not expected to be competitive this season but thanks to the explosive playmaking ability of James Hardy, our Hoosiers made their first bowl game since 1993.

He was undoubtedly the leader of the Indiana Hoosier football program and he was a role model for a lot of the younger players on our team. His time at Indiana really matured him as a player and a person, preparing him for a bright future in the NFL.

So what about James Hardy's "problems". Character issues? Please. James Hardy is a great person who really matured into a Buffalo Bills type player. Not Hard Working? That's baloney. James Hardy was one of the hardest working players on the Hoosiers and he gave it his all game in and game out. Sure he wasn't blessed with blazing speed but he used his effort to out muscle all of his defenders and make the catch that a lot of receivers couldn't make. He is a tall, physical wide receiver whose motor is always running, everything but, as some of the posters on here say, "lazy".

James Hardy completely changed the way people view football at Indiana University and he truly earned his selection into the NFL. He is the perfect player for the Buffalo Bills and I am excited for his years here. Please, learn about the player before you posters spew off false information on him.

James Hardy is going to be the difference maker on this team just like he was on the Indiana Hoosiers, quote me on that. If you want to know anything more about Hardy, ask me. I've watched him consistently during his time at Indiana, unlike people here that act like they did.

Go Bills!! Great pick in Hardy!! We Will Not Regret It!!

[Right_track2010]

James Hardy is the absolute best selection the Bills could have possibly made. He is the tall receiver we need yet some of you still arent convinced.

Why is that? Because most people don't know much about him. How many people have watched at least one Indiana Hoosiers football game? Not many, I figured. As a student of Indiana University and a Hoosier football fan, I have followed James Hardy throughout his career.

So let me straighten out the facts for the people who think they know James Hardy.

First off, cut the garbage with Hardy's character issues. He made a mistake when he was a younger, immature member on the Hoosiers football team back in 2006. Since then, Hardy has proven nothing but being an outstanding player and person in the Indiana University community.

As a junior this season, he led an Indiana team that was young and had just dealt with the death of their head coach. This Hoosier football team was not expected to be competitive this season but thanks to the explosive playmaking ability of James Hardy, our Hoosiers made their first bowl game since 1993.

He was undoubtedly the leader of the Indiana Hoosier football program and he was a role model for a lot of the younger players on our team. His time at Indiana really matured him as a player and a person, preparing him for a bright future in the NFL.

So what about James Hardy's "problems". Character issues? Please. James Hardy is a great person who really matured into a Buffalo Bills type player. Not Hard Working? That's baloney. James Hardy was one of the hardest working players on the Hoosiers and he gave it his all game in and game out. Sure he wasn't blessed with blazing speed but he used his effort to out muscle all of his defenders and make the catch that a lot of receivers couldn't make. He is a tall, physical wide receiver whose motor is always running, everything but, as some of the posters on here say, "lazy".

James Hardy completely changed the way people view football at Indiana University and he truly earned his selection into the NFL. He is the perfect player for the Buffalo Bills and I am excited for his years here. Please, learn about the player before you posters spew off false information on him.

James Hardy is going to be the difference maker on this team just like he was on the Indiana Hoosiers, quote me on that. If you want to know anything more about Hardy, ask me. I've watched him consistently during his time at Indiana, unlike people here that act like they did.

Go Bills!! Great pick in Hardy!! We Will Not Regret It!!

is he really 26 yrs old though??? that is what bills.com has him at...kind of old for a junior???

[Marshawn=TD's]

is he really 26 yrs old though??? that is what bills.com has him at...kind of old for a junior???

His birthday is 12/24/1985

[OT Thriller]

Sorry this is long, but I think people should know a little more about James Hardy before they go posting information that isn't true.

[letsgobuffalo7747]

Great I hope your right.

[HiHat31]

Thanks for the inside info, OT. I like the guy, seems like he's overcome a lot, and matured.

I think he'll be a beast in the Red Zone for us. But, one question for you. I know he's not real fast, fast enough I think, but, after watching him at Indiana, how is he coming off the line, and breaking the press? Does his size and strength help him there?

[OT Thriller]

Thanks for the inside info, OT. I like the guy, seems like he's overcome a lot, and matured.

I think he'll be a beast in the Red Zone for us. But, one question for you. I know he's not real fast, fast enough I think, but, after watching him at Indiana, how is he coming off the line, and breaking the press? Does his size and strength help him there?

Very much so. Dont get me wrong, Hardy isnt neccesarily slow. He has great speed for his size. But he has to rely on his physical talents a lot more than his speed.

As for coming off the line, Hardy usually just broke by his defender by overpowering them. But there were time Hardy used his agility and jukes to get by the defender.

[Triskit]

thank you for the read, i didn't really know that much about him, so i'm looking forward to getting to know him at Training Camp...

[RCAmarshawn23]

Excellent write up. living in wesern NY we dont get many Indiana football games televised and what I know about him I know from reading reports and watching youtube. I loved everything that I saw though and I cant wait to hear how he does in rookie camp!

[letsgobills]

he is gonna be a monster

[ThankEvans83]

Good post. Like the pick, and I hope he turns out to be the best option!

[ChetS.]

6'5" receiver with 4.5 speed is hardly slow no pun intended. This guy is big, tough and productive. Exactly what the Bills needed to compliment Evans. We should have a great amount of options on third downs now with Evans, Hardy and Parrish

[Billsfan55]

does he play as fast as his timed speed?

[OT Thriller]

does he play as fast as his timed speed?

It's really interesting. At Indiana, he wasn't used much for running routes. Hardy usually would go deep or run to a certain area and either out-leap his defender or out muscle his defender.

What's interesting though, and his time really showed it, is that Hardy does have the ability to out run his defenders. A couple times, Hardy wouldn't have to out-leap or out muscle his defenders and instead would just fly by them and be wide open.

One problem with Indiana is that they didn't expose Hardy's speed a lot because he was better at just being a leaper. That's why his timed speed was so surprising, but honestly he always had it in him to be fast. He just didn't get a lot of oppurtunites to display that side of him

[syr6987]

6'5" receiver with 4.5 speed is hardly slow no pun intended. This guy is big, tough and productive. Exactly what the Bills needed to compliment Evans. We should have a great amount of options on third downs now with Evans, Hardy and Parrish



yea 4.45 for a guy almost 6'6...amazing..

[Billsfan55]

can he catch in traffic...and be open whe he really isn't?

[primetime3]

is he really 26 yrs old though??? that is what bills.com has him at...kind of old for a junior???

he is not 26 years old

[primetime3]

Excellent write up. living in wesern NY we dont get many Indiana football games televised and what I know about him I know from reading reports and watching youtube. I loved everything that I saw though and I cant wait to hear how he does in rookie camp!

hey i go to indiana and it was hard to find it on tv with all the michigan/ohio state/iowa/purdue coverage!!! it was a pleasure to watch him though and i can't wait to see him in a bills uni!!!

[Red Jackets Revenge]

Speed can be overrated...especially in a system with an accurate passer an quick opening routs...I suspect that the Bills know this and chose him...his physical ability in traffic can best be exploited with Trent's type of game. I'm ok with the pick!

[directFX]

Great insight on Hardy.....thanks.



BUT.....




How could anyone misspell....


B-O-L-O-G-N-A



Sing the commercial for goodness sakes....lol

[Griff]

This kid will be our Cris Carter.... all he'll do is catch touchdowns.

[directFX]

I am just afraid he turns into Reggie Williams.......eek.

[herc]

Sorry this is long, but I think people should know a little more about James Hardy before they go posting information that isn't true.

Seriously though, you saw him and followed his career at Indiana which is more than I did. However, how can you mention his work ethic etc by just watching him play? Were you at the practices? Did you see him in the conditioning room? Not to sound like a jerk or anything but just don't act like you know the ins and out's of this kid because you watched him, what 10 times a year play football?

Please don't think I am dogging the kid, I am happy he is a Bill. I just don't like it when someone acts like the actually know the guy cause they were a fan and watched them play on Saturday's/Sundays. If you knew him more than I have stated then I will totally retract my statement and apologize.

[TigerJ]

I'm not worried by character with Hardy. I think there are two things that could delay his production with the Bills. He's pretty raw at route running and for his size, he's not as strong as he could be. The Bills coaches will need to really work him to get him ready to start in 2008. The sky's the limit as far as his upside is concerned. Lee Evans ought to be thrilled.

[Dylanme8]

great read man this was a tough pick for our scouts a game changing WR but i think they made the right choice and I am so pumped to see him in a bills uniform

[Billzyear]

6'5" receiver with 4.5 speed is hardly slow no pun intended. This guy is big, tough and productive. Exactly what the Bills needed to compliment Evans. We should have a great amount of options on third downs now with Evans, Hardy and Parrish

I love it!!:firstplace:

[OT Thriller]

Seriously though, you saw him and followed his career at Indiana which is more than I did. However, how can you mention his work ethic etc by just watching him play? Were you at the practices? Did you see him in the conditioning room? Not to sound like a jerk or anything but just don't act like you know the ins and out's of this kid because you watched him, what 10 times a year play football?

Please don't think I am dogging the kid, I am happy he is a Bill. I just don't like it when someone acts like the actually know the guy cause they were a fan and watched them play on Saturday's/Sundays. If you knew him more than I have stated then I will totally retract my statement and apologize.

Its not just about being a fan and watching him play on Saturdays, I also had access to information and articles on Hardy through the school and through living in the area while many Bills fans had not similar access to. I learned a lot about Hardy's work ethic through what coach Hoeppner or coach Lynch had to say about Hardy in various articles and that's where I get my information on that from.

Coming on this message board and seeing people accuse Hardy of being a terrible person and being lazy gave me motivation to share what I know and learned about Hardy during my time here at Indiana University to give people a more accurate view of him. That's all. I am not saying I know him more than the next person. I just think a lot of people here never had the oppurtunity to see Hardy as much as I have so I am sharing my knowledge.

[OT Thriller]

can he catch in traffic...and be open whe he really isn't?

Those are actually two of his strengths. Kellen Lewis isn't always the most accurate quarterback so Hardy didn't always get the picture perfect pass. Still, his big hands always found a way to grab the inaccurate throw in traffic.

And most of his catches were when he wasn't really open. Being that we had virtually no other wide receiver weapons other than Hardy, Kellen would often throw to Hardy even when he was defended. He'd lob it up high and Hardy would grab it where the corner couldn't.

I feel like I am sugar coating Hardy, but he really was a huge difference maker for the Hoosiers, especially this past season.

[OT Thriller]

Great insight on Hardy.....thanks.



BUT.....




How could anyone misspell....


B-O-L-O-G-N-A



Sing the commercial for goodness sakes....lol

lol I honestly dont know how I let that foolish mistake occur.

[steckmeister03]

I liked him from the get go, for me it was always a toss up between kelly in the first and CB/LB in the second or CB/LB in the first and hardy in the second... and with kelly's bad pro day and problems with his knee comming up Hardy became more and more like a better option... I'm happy we got him... lol earlier today when the dolphins were picking at 32 I was going down teh lines of teams picking before us and thinking that with three or four teams in need of a WR there's no way a guy like hardy falls to us... but he did, and I couldn't be happier with the pick...

[BronxBomber21]

James Hardy is the absolute best selection the Bills could have possibly made. He is the tall receiver we need yet some of you still arent convinced.

Why is that? Because most people don't know much about him. How many people have watched at least one Indiana Hoosiers football game? Not many, I figured. As a student of Indiana University and a Hoosier football fan, I have followed James Hardy throughout his career.

So let me straighten out the facts for the people who think they know James Hardy.

First off, cut the garbage with Hardy's character issues. He made a mistake when he was a younger, immature member on the Hoosiers football team back in 2006. Since then, Hardy has proven nothing but being an outstanding player and person in the Indiana University community.

As a junior this season, he led an Indiana team that was young and had just dealt with the death of their head coach. This Hoosier football team was not expected to be competitive this season but thanks to the explosive playmaking ability of James Hardy, our Hoosiers made their first bowl game since 1993.

He was undoubtedly the leader of the Indiana Hoosier football program and he was a role model for a lot of the younger players on our team. His time at Indiana really matured him as a player and a person, preparing him for a bright future in the NFL.

So what about James Hardy's "problems". Character issues? Please. James Hardy is a great person who really matured into a Buffalo Bills type player. Not Hard Working? That's baloney. James Hardy was one of the hardest working players on the Hoosiers and he gave it his all game in and game out. Sure he wasn't blessed with blazing speed but he used his effort to out muscle all of his defenders and make the catch that a lot of receivers couldn't make. He is a tall, physical wide receiver whose motor is always running, everything but, as some of the posters on here say, "lazy".

James Hardy completely changed the way people view football at Indiana University and he truly earned his selection into the NFL. He is the perfect player for the Buffalo Bills and I am excited for his years here. Please, learn about the player before you posters spew off false information on him.

James Hardy is going to be the difference maker on this team just like he was on the Indiana Hoosiers, quote me on that. If you want to know anything more about Hardy, ask me. I've watched him consistently during his time at Indiana, unlike people here that act like they did.

Go Bills!! Great pick in Hardy!! We Will Not Regret It!!Just askin if you were to compare him to a player who would it be...... I would love if he can turn out like Colston.

[OT Thriller]

I think he's most comparable to Plaxico. Maybe not as agile as Plaxico but he's certainly more physical. They are two guys who a quarterback can just lob the ball to and let them do the work.

[BillsForevers]

Hardy-79 rec 1125 yrds 16 tds 14 yrds per catch
Sweed-19 rec 306 yrds 3 tds 16 yrds per catch
Kelly-49 rec 821 yrds 9 tds 17 yrds per catch

I have doged this kid for the last week after i heard about the domestic dispute.. And I havent completely gotten onboard, But OBD picked him and they have earned my trust as of late... That said I will Happily support Him until/unless he proves me to me different.... people make mistakes and he was punished for it so I need to let it go... He has overcome alot and in some ways i feel for him.. thanks for the info

no one correct my ****ty spelling please...lol


not to mention he is a beast... lol

[JinxedBill]

I got to say the Bills went with the most proven WR. I think Sweed was there too, but i got the feeling he wouldnt fit here being from texas.

I liked Thomas but was wary of his one year of production.

Simply put the Bills drafted someone they thought could come right in and make an impact. I for one am excited.

[BillsFan]

The one thing you have to learn about the Buffalo Bills orginization...

We spell it B-U-F-F-A-L-O B-I-L-L-S.... Not C-I-N-C-I-N-N-A-T-I B-E-N-G-A-L-S

The Bills are going to select players who will actually be able to play for the team.

I am not worried about Hardy in terms of character, but more or less can Hardy a possession guy? I am pumped that we have a 6'6", 36 TD scoring, absolute man child on our team. I just wonder if Hardy will be more of an outside the numbers type of guy or a mix of outside the numbers and over the middle.

[Battle941]

I think he's most comparable to Plaxico. Maybe not as agile as Plaxico but he's certainly more physical. They are two guys who a quarterback can just lob the ball to and let them do the work.

Thanks for the info OT. I'm even more pumped about the Hardy pick now after reading this thread!

If he can be our Plaxico, I'd be thrilled. I just hope Hardy speaks better. lol :)

[buffan92]

thanx i didnt really know much about hardy and that helped get a good look at the type of player he is

[Rip_]

I knew his daddy. We were in lock up in downstate NY. His dad is not as tall, but possibly one of the strongest men I ever saw. Feel free to pm me, but I'd rather talk to James himself.

[harmonkillebrew]

he beat his wife. and was suspended for two games. - those some serious red flags.

and don't give me the he's matured and he had a rough growing up baloney. so did many guys but they never beat their wives. the days of Marv and high quality players is gone.

Hardy might be good at catching the jump ball but he'll need to be squeaky clean for awhile. i just find it hard to root or wife beaters

[Rip_]

Well there are some concerns herditary wise too, but, if he's anything like his dad, he can be one of the niciest, well intentioned people in the world. If....

[lynchdagreat]

can he catch in traffic...and be open whe he really isn't?

hell be open.... VERTICALLY

[nickholt87]

My ex girlfriend was from bloomington, so I had the pleasure of seeing hardy against OSU 2 years ago and in the Iowa upset a year ago. I can tell you with absolute certainty stood out as the best athlete on the field. The bills got the perfect player with this pick. And I do think Plax is a good comparison

[blizz3010]

He is exactly what we need on this offense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afr3PoA9ibI

[buffalo G]

He is exactly what we need on this offense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afr3PoA9ibI

Wonder if Josh Reed will give up his number to James for a cool 25 grand?

bye josh.get your money while you can.

[Notorious HEB]

Still should have taken Sweed. But I am happy with Hardy in the 2nd.

[Thurman#1]

Sorry this is long, but I think people should know a little more about James Hardy before they go posting information that isn't true.



OT Thriller, I'm definitely giving Hardy the benefit of the doubt, because OBD knows him better than me, but please don't pretend to lay out all his faults but then completely forget a very serious one.

Hardy was suspended from the team for two weeks, because of a completely different event not related to his arrest. It was this that convinced me that the Bills would not pick him.

If you're going to give the illusion of openness, be open with the facts.

[guin214]

Big 10 WR are hit and miss, definately a wait and see!

[OT Thriller]

OT Thriller, I'm definitely giving Hardy the benefit of the doubt, because OBD knows him better than me, but please don't pretend to lay out all his faults but then completely forget a very serious one.

Hardy was suspended from the team for two weeks, because of a completely different event not related to his arrest. It was this that convinced me that the Bills would not pick him.

If you're going to give the illusion of openness, be open with the facts.

It wasn't necessarily a "completely different event" he was suspended those two games by Coach Hep for undisclosed reasons, which could have just as well been involved with the charges. He was going through a rough time in 2006 and he had a lot of bad things going on at the time.

That's why his growth as a more mature player and person the next season is so impressive. he dealt with a lot of negativity in 2006 and to put all that aside and lead the team to their first bowl game since 1993 says a lot about what kind of person Hardy has become.

He had issues in 2006, we all know this. But it's how he responded to those issues that ultimately shows what type of character player Hardy has become.

[Samurai_Ramen]

Great read and thanks for shedding some light on Hardy for us. I didn't know much about him, but I had been hoping that OBD would draft him! I'm more excited than I have been in a long time!! GO BUFFALO!

[Billsfan55]

go hardy! i think he will be a great addition to our offense.

GO BILLS!

[BuffaloChip]

Im sold! I cant wait to see him in action!

[Beast_Mode_20]

http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper851/stills/75vmkt26.jpg

Check out this pic it dosnt look to good for the vertical or the red zone threat of mr hardy

[Beast_Mode_20]

Look how much higher the CB 's legs are than his and he cant be any taller than 5"10. . .is that really how he goes up for the ball? wow i sure hope not we NEED this guy to produce in the red zone for us please dont be a bust

[bills since 82]

thank's for the info OT! Im too happy we got him! he's a beast! they said the same thing about moss! i hope he have the same numbers as moss:thumbsup:

[toolsalesman]

Look how much higher the CB 's legs are than his and he cant be any taller than 5"10. . .is that really how he goes up for the ball? wow i sure hope not we NEED this guy to produce in the red zone for us please dont be a bust

Keep trying.

[androk]

I don't think you can label him a 'wife beater'...if it was that serious his punishment would have reflected it. He obviously had a rough upbringing and has still persevered. For every James Hardy how many guys with his background are on the street?

I wrote off Marshawn Lynch last year too and he turned out pretty good for us, don't you think?

[Happy Lee]

http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper851/stills/75vmkt26.jpg

Check out this pic it dosnt look to good for the vertical or the red zone threat of mr hardy

Oh no!!! He's a bust!!!!

[Thurman#1]

It wasn't necessarily a "completely different event" he was suspended those two games by Coach Hep for undisclosed reasons, which could have just as well been involved with the charges. He was going through a rough time in 2006 and he had a lot of bad things going on at the time.

That's why his growth as a more mature player and person the next season is so impressive. he dealt with a lot of negativity in 2006 and to put all that aside and lead the team to their first bowl game since 1993 says a lot about what kind of person Hardy has become.

He had issues in 2006, we all know this. But it's how he responded to those issues that ultimately shows what type of character player Hardy has become.


It WAS, IN FACT, a completely different event. Check this link, to find his coach saying it was a completely different event.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2006-09-12-notebook_x.htm

Again, I'm hoping he works out well. But whitewashing the facts is not called for.

[Thurman#1]

thank's for the info OT! Im too happy we got him! he's a beast! they said the same thing about moss! i hope he have the same numbers as moss:thumbsup:


Please don't expect the same type of production as Moss brings. Moss was one of the fastest guys in the league, though he has slowed down a bit at this point. Hardy is nowhere near as fast.

If Hardy is to be successful, it will be over the middle, making the tough medium range and short catches, and also in the red zone. Saddling him with unrealistic expectations is not a good idea. For him or the fans.

[gutter80]

He had issues in 2006, we all know this. But it's how he responded to those issues that ultimately shows what type of character player Hardy has become.

thats the truth nice way of putting it. im so excited about the draft and the nov 17 game as well as the others. cant wait for the home opener already got the menu planned for it. hardy for 2 scores in the opener its a little out there but OROY?

[OT Thriller]

It WAS, IN FACT, a completely different event. Check this link, to find his coach saying it was a completely different event.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2006-09-12-notebook_x.htm

Again, I'm hoping he works out well. But whitewashing the facts is not called for.

It WAS, IN FACT, not known what he was suspended for. Being suspended for "Personal reasons" could mean a lot of things, it could be involving the arrest or it could be not involving the arrest. We both don't know because they never specifically said what he was suspended for, it's that simple. Nevertheless, it happened 2 years ago, get over it.

[ksafe29]

I can see it now... Trent pitches it to Marshawn, who runs to the right, drops back, and throws it high for Hardy in the end zone!

[blazaiblah]

can he catch in traffic...and be open whe he really isn't?

from the clips i saw of him most of his catches were made in traffic.