4/21/2020 football Edit

Blue Raiders Add WR Demetric Hardin to 2020 Signing Class

Tyler Pellom • GoMiddle

Staff

The MTSU football program has added a late signing to the 2020 signing class in Richburg, SC wide receiver Demetric Hardin.

Hardin was a do-it-all player for Lewisville High School in the Class AA division in South Carolina. In small town high school football, the goal is to get the ball to your best players as much as possible. Lewisville was no exception. Hardin was the primary wide receiver, played wildcat QB, laid hard hits as a cornerback, and returned kicks and punts for the Lions.

Hardin had 2,655 all-purpose yards and 28 touchdowns on his way to being tabbed the Hardin rushed for 1,242 yards and 15 touchdowns on 147 carries while also completing 64 of 132 passes for 953 yards and seven touchdowns. As a kickoff returner he totaled 273 total yards and three touchdowns. His impressive statistics lead him to being named Class AA Back of the Year by the South Carolina Football Coaches Association.

As you watch the highlights above, it is clear to see Hardin is the best player on the field on most snaps. At 6'3", 180 lbs, he is able to show his physicality regularly. His nimble hips and quick feet allow him to cut through defenses with relative ease. When contact is made, it's more likely Hardin is laying the hit instead of the defender. His breakaway speed left multiple defenders grasping for air, even when they initially had a good angle to tackle the ball-carrier.

It's not surprising that Hardin was a two sport athlete for Lewisville - he was also the starting point guard for the basketball team.

Hardin projects as a WR at the next level. It can be tough for small school prospects to adjust to the speed and physicality of Division-1 football, but if Hardin can acclimate quickly it would not be surprising if he found the ball in his hands in other ways early and often for the Blue Raiders.

Hardin chose Middle Tennessee State over offers from Louisville and Coastal Carolina. He plans to take his first visit to campus in June and room with fellow South Carolina WR prospect Jaylin Lane when he arrives on campus.