2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: JaQuan Hardy, RB, Tiffin University

• Name: JaQuan Hardy
• Height: 5’9”
• Weight: 218 lbs
• Position: RB
• College: Tiffin University
• Twitter: @showtimehardy

Tell us about your university/college. Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

I participated in a rally with my football team to help kids with disabilities learn the game of football.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My teammates would say my work ethic, effort and being relentless are my best qualities 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I see myself as a leader on my team because when everybody is down people look up to me to either make a play or to even help bring peoples spirits and hope up. Running Back suits my skill set

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college? 

The best player I have played against in college believe it or not is Charlie Cleveland, this man is on my team and he plays defensive end. Somehow Charlie’s always finds a way in the backfield which makes me have a faster twitch ability to create room in the backfield which causes me to become a better football player all around. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Charlie Cleveland because when there is a time someone needs to make a play on defense or if something goes wrong on defense Charlie is there to make up for everything. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
During my freshman year of college, going into camp, there were over 30 running backs, and the reps every day for the camp were short so with every rep, I was given I had to play like there was no tomorrow which made me the man who I am today. 

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

I would play Rugby because the sport is fun to me, and I was able to fall in love with this sport in the matter of a couple months!

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

I am proud of being where I am today as a person and football player. My biggest achievement has yet to come but if I had to pick one I would say it is becoming a voice on my team and helping my team defeat Findlay becoming GMAC Champions!!

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

The score was 52-45, and we’re facing Findlay with a minute and 30 seconds left. We have the ball but we have to get a first down to finish up the game. While we’re in the huddle, we received an inside zone play from the sideline. At first, I was thinking will this work, but then I thought to myself I’ll just make it work. I got the ball then ran up the middle, broke two tackles while running up the middle then I juked to the left side creating a harder target to hit. Then four opponents tried tackling me, but I literally carried them 6-7 yards downfield creating a first down helping us win. While getting up after the play I just began to laugh to myself and thought I really just did that and began to laugh with my teammates because we won the game. It had been 26 years since the last time we beat Findlay as a Football Program. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after? 

One of my favorite athletes is LeBron. I try to mirror my game off of Todd Gutley, Alvin Kamara and Saqoun Barkley 

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?

My favorite music artist is Lil Wayne and some trap music to rock music gets me hyped before a game. 

What is your favorite comfort food?

Tacos

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

My Favorite movie is Django

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

In my spare time I like to stretch to become more flexible, play Fortnite and spend time with my dogs. 

Who or what motivates you the most?

My family motivates me the most because I want to take care of them, and I also want to help change people’s lives whether that’s helping or feeding the homeless.