Georgia Bulldogs in the NFL: Mecole Hardman Making a Name for Himself
Many pundits were surprised that Mecole Hardman was the first Georgia Bulldogs offensive player taken in the 2019 NFL Draft. Many thought that he wouldn't even be the first UGA wide receiver taken. Many mock drafts had his teammate Riley Ridley being selected, as early as the late first round. Riley certainly had the pedigree, being the brother of Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
Instead, Mecole Hardman was the second of seven 2019 Georgia Bulldogs draftees. He was selected in the second round, pick number 56 overall. That was a full two rounds higher than Ridley, who was selected number 126.
The fact that Hardman was selected in the second round of the NFL draft, is a success story in itself. He hails from the small town of Elberton, Georgia. Mecole was a high school quarterback, who passed for 1027 yards and nine touchdowns in 19 games. Running was his real forte and he amassed 2730 yards on the ground, with 28 career high school touchdowns.
The all-purpose Hardman returned five punts for 87 yards. He also punted the ball 24 times for Elbert County High School, averaging over 30 yards per punt. He placed three punts inside the 20-yard line, according to Maxpreps.com.
It was originally thought that Mecole Hardman might convert to cornerback, once he arrived on campus as a member of the Georgia Bulldogs. However, he was converted to a wide receiver instead. This was despite the fact that he had only one catch for 31 yards in high school. That one catch did go for a touchdown, however.
Mecole Hardman got off to a slow start as a member of Kirby Smart's first Georgia Bulldogs recruiting class. While taking the time to learn the nuances of the wide receiver position, he appeared in just four games. One punt return for 17 yards was his only statistical contribution of note.
Time on the bench in year one paid off for Mecole Hardman. Playing just two more seasons as a Dawg, he reeled in 60 catches for 960 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also showcased his versatility by carrying the football 13 times for 97 yards and two touchdowns.
In addition, Mecole was one of the most prolific return men in the SEC. He compiled 592 yards and one touchdown as a punt returner, and 875 yards as a kick returner. The results of the position change were remarkable for Hardman.
Mecole Hardman got off to a slow start in the NFL as well. He was only targeted once by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Maholmes, in his NFL debut. He failed to make a catch, but he did return two kickoffs for 45 yards.
The difference this time is Hardman's slow start did not last one season, it lasted one game. Pro Bowl wide receiver Tyreek Hill was lost with an injury, and the Georgia Bulldogs receiver filled the void nicely against the Oakland Raiders. Mecole who is known for his speed was targeted six times and caught four passes for 61 yards. One of those receptions was his first NFL touchdown reception. It was a 42-yard grab. He also added 38 more return yards to his resume.
Mecole Hardman was targeted one less time in the following game against the Baltimore Ravens, and his reception total was chopped in half. Yet Hardman made up for the lack of catches with an explosive 83-yard touchdown reception. That gave him a touchdown, for the second straight week. He totaled two catches for 97 yards, falling just short of his first 100 yard receiving game. He did add seven yards on one rushing attempt, taking him over 100 yards from scrimmage for the first time as a pro.
It is clear that Mecole Hardman belongs in the. NFL. His combination of skill, ability, and 4.33 speed, translates well in any league. Mecole has become a sought after player in fantasy football. He has the potential to join Nick Chubb, Todd Gurley, Sony Michel, and the soon to return A.J. Green, as UGA alumni players, who score weekly at the next level. It will be fun to watch Hardman as he develops as a professional. He is certain to make Georgia Bulldogs fans proud.
