Purdue football recently picked up a commitment from an in-state wide receiver whose family has ties to the Big Ten Conference and the Indiana Hoosiers.
New Haven High School (IN) wide receiver James Hardy IV, son of former Indiana University standout James Hardy, accepted a PWO to Purdue and announced his commitment to the Boilermakers.
“Purdue is nationally known and respected around the country. The few times I have visited Purdue at camps or visits, I liked the environment, admissions people and the coaching staff. With taking all that into account, it just made it easier for Purdue to become my next journey,” Hardy told Boiler Wire.
Playing for Purdue football is just the beginning, according to Hardy.
“I am glad to finally make it official. It feels great to be committed to a program like Purdue. It has been a lot of hard work to get me to this point, but I am not satisfied with just committing to Purdue. I am excited for my next adventure onto my next stage in life,” Hardy said.
During his high school career, Hardy has reeled in 47 catches for 554 yards and four touchdowns. This past season, he helped guide New Haven to an 8-2 campaign. He enters West Lafayette with several goals in mind.
“My goals heading into college are to be the best version of myself and work hard to be a consistent contributor on the team while making a name for myself,” Hardy said.
Hardy looks to be his own man
Hardy never had the opportunity to play a high school game in front of his father, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 31.
Hardy’s father was a First Team All-Big Ten honoree and helped guide the Hoosiers to a bowl game before being drafted by the Buffalo Bills. He said he has always had motivation to get his own name out there.
“It serves as motivation to me to get my name out and let people know who James Hardy IV is, not just a guy whose father went to the NFL,” Hardy said.
He said he has never looked at his accomplishments and how they compared to what his father did and he doesn’t plan on starting now.
“My father’s accomplishments are outstanding, but I am not him. I am James Hardy IV. I want to build my own legacy, but when it is all said and done, I would love to go back and see what all us Hardy’s accomplished in our lifetimes. It is amazing to play at the next level, but I have got to work myself up in the Big Ten,” Hardy said.
Hardy is ready for rigors of Big Ten
Playing a national schedule and being close to home while doing it was something that stood out to the New Haven talent.
“Having the opportunity to play in the Big Ten is an opportunity many do not get,” Hardy said.
And, the two-sport athlete at New Haven is ready to embrace the challenges that come, not only playing in the Big Ten, but doing so as a PWO for Purdue football.
“With the PAC 12 no longer around, this will be the closest competition to playing in the next level, the NFL. Me getting that PWO offer was a blessing, and I am ready for the challenge,” Hardy said.
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