STrib: Gophers expect Hardin to play as a true freshman

[BleedGopher]

per Joe:

Add cornerback KiAnte Hardin to the list of true freshmen expected to play for the Gophers this season.

Kill said the 5-10, 170-pound Hardin will be a factor this season, at least on special teams. Hardin has been getting several reps with the second-team defense.

"He has a good feel for the game," defensive backs coach Jay Sawvel said Tuesday. "He has a lot of instinct. He runs very, very well. He's a competitive guy. We definitely like what we’ve seen."

http://www.startribune.com/gophers-expect-hardin-to-play-as-a-true-freshman/322205361/

Go Gophers!!

 

[GoldenRodents]

Wow, I can't wait to see this team

 

[Winasota Gopher]

So he's beating out Dior for PT as a freshman DB playing?

And Charlie Johnson for that matter. Both were significantly higher ranked/better offers/however it is we decided was the best indicator of talent.

 

[hungan1]

Wasn't he a HS track and field champion?

 

[die hard gopher]

So he's beating out Dior for PT as a freshman DB playing?

And Charlie Johnson for that matter. Both were significantly higher ranked/better offers/however it is we decided was the best indicator of talent.

Mostly because he brings more as a return man as opposed to necessarily being a better DB IMO.

 

[upnorthkid]

Dude can jet. Huge for ST play.

 

[Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0]

Wasn't he a HS track and field champion?

Posted a 100m best of 10.67. Won state with a 10.71 Electronically timed.

http://parser.dyestat.com/search.jsp?athID=295797

 

[go_gophers]

Posted a 100m best of 10.67. Won state with a 10.71 Electronically timed. http://parser.dyestat.com/search.jsp?athID=295797

Wind aided?

 

[Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0]

Wind aided?

I'm going with no. It might have been but then he wouldn't look as fast.

 

[John Galt]

So he's beating out Dior for PT as a freshman DB playing?

And Charlie Johnson for that matter. Both were significantly higher ranked/better offers/however it is we decided was the best indicator of talent.

Dior Johnson and Charlie Rogers are safeties.

 

[ridethebull]

Kiante won the 100, 200 and was 2nd in the 400 in Missouri state track meet. Had state best times in 100 and 200. Best 400 was 47.6 (not at state meet) Great player and even better person. Good get for the Gophers!

 

[Killjoy]

Dior Johnson and Charlie Rogers are safeties.

Not a big deal but aren't safeties DBs also?

 

[beavergopher]

Wind aided?

And down hill.

 

[Rescooter]

Kiante won the 100, 200 and was 2nd in the 400 in Missouri state track meet. Had state best times in 100 and 200. Best 400 was 47.6 (not at state meet) Great player and even better person. Good get for the Gophers!

Great post and appreciate the insight on Kiante. Sounds like he's got the tools and the attitude. These are the types of players that will make us great!

 

[John Galt]

Not a big deal but aren't safeties DBs also?

I'm responding to the comment that KiAnte is beating out Dior and Rogers. KiAnte is a CB and will probably be covering slot receivers, so he's not really competing for playing time against 2 guys that are safeties.

 

[McPeePants]

I'm responding to the comment that KiAnte is beating out Dior and Rogers. KiAnte is a CB and will probably be covering slot receivers, so he's not really competing for playing time against 2 guys that are safeties.

I agree. There will probably be a true FR safety that plays as well — Dior, I assume. Kill loves playing freshmen DB on special teams to get them prepared for playing time the following year.

 

[Killjoy]

I'm responding to the comment that KiAnte is beating out Dior and Rogers. KiAnte is a CB and will probably be covering slot receivers, so he's not really competing for playing time against 2 guys that are safeties.

Thanks for the clarification.