Signing in the class of 2016, as a defensive back Hardman hasn’t made a jump into the starting lineup for corner backs. Going into the 2017 season, Hardman is starting to get looks at wide receiver this spring.
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What Happened to Defense:
Mecole Hardman was supposed to spend his career playing the corner back position for the Bulldogs. But coming into his sophomore season without any really game time at the position, and being behind fellow sophomore Tyrique McGhee. And with the signing of seven players that will play in the defensive backfield, it only seems right to start looking how to utilize him to the fullest.
Kirby Smart wants longer folks at the defensive back position, and coming in at 5’11 puts Mecole as one of the more undersized corners on the roster as it stands right now. But with the loss of IMac, now their is a opening at the slot position for the Dawgs.
I would expect Mecole to continue to get practice in at defense, just as a safeguard in case of injuries. But by the time fall camp comes around, I would imagine he would be a full time offensive player.
Why Offense is the Best Fit:
Hardman played quarterback for his high school team, before signing with Georgia. He was extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands. He has the skills to make people miss in traffic, and the ability to out run people to the endzone. The biggest concern with the switch to wide receiver has been his ability to catch. But this spring he has been doing extremely waell catching the ball, and he’s doing it away from his body.
Mecole is the scariest when he is put in the open field against defenders. He has enough jitter in his step to make even the most experienced defender miss on some plays. If he can really get the route tree down and continue to show consistency at catching the ball. Then he could put up the same kind of numbers at the slot position that IMac did.