D.I.T.R: Ahmad Hardy – RB

Ahmad Hardy is the running back at Lawrence County High School in Monticello, Mississippi. Hardy is listed at 5’11” 200 pounds. While Ahmad is the heart and soul of the offense for the Cougars, he also plays on the other side as linebacker. He is the featured rusher for an upcoming 3rd season in a run dominant, Wing-T offense. In 2022, Hardy played in 7 and a half games due to a minor injury at the end of the season. In the shortened season, Ahmad ran for an outstanding 1,397 yards on 101 rushes, with 19 total touchdowns.

In his young career so far, Ahmad has many “Player of the Week” awards from various outlets. Hardy is known to be a running back that does not go down after the first hit. He has proven over the last two seasons that he is not only a bulldozer in the backfield, but also has speed that cannot be matched in the open field. I had the opportunity to interview Ahmad about his electric, young football career:

No. 29 RB – Ahmad Hardy

Q: To start off, tell us about yourself.

“I grew up in a very small town outside of Monticello, Mississippi. I have been playing football since about 5 years old. I like animals; I like to ride horses when I have time off. I am a straight A student that stays out of trouble. A person that tries to stay happy and make the people around them happy.”

Q: Do you play any sports other than football?

“I played soccer a little growing up, other than that I play basketball and baseball.”

Q: What is your favorite part about playing in the running back position?

“A running back, besides your own defense, has to be the meanest thing on the field. I like to watch mean running backs like Derrick Henry or Nick Chubb – I like to be the face of the offense, doing everything I can to help my team win. As far as running back, I like to be mean and dirty, play in the trenches.”

Q: What is a life lesson that you have learned from playing football?

“They always say there is no I in team; but seriously no matter how good you are at something you will always need someones help. It is okay to be independent but it is always good to listen to others opinion. My grandmother always told me that you can learn from the good and bad things. If it is good continue to do it, if it is bad then it is something you shouldn’t do.”

Q: Is there a NFL player, former or current, that you look up to?

Marshawn Lynch was my favorite player growing up. The way he ran people over and stiff-armed everyone in his way. I like his character too; it’s all jokes with him, he has fun and keeps it light.”

Q: What are some strengths do you believe you have that make impact athlete?

“I am very smart on the football field too, I can read the defense like a quarterback. I am a fast running back with power. I can catch out of the backfield when needed as well. One of my rules is never let just one guy tackle you.”

Q: How would your teammates describe you?

“To be honest, I try to keep it light and joke with the team, but when it is time to be serious and put in work, I will be extra hard on them. They would probably say I am a friendly person thats not afraid to speak their mind.”

Q: What are you looking forward to this upcoming season, any specific goals for you?

“My number one goal is to win a championship. That is all I want to do with this team. Other than that, rushing for 2,000 yards, or whatever the record is the other goal.”

Q: What are some of your dream colleges and why?

“My favorite college team is Clemson, but when the time comes, I will go somewhere that likes me and fits me. Florida, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, etc. All of the SEC is cool as well.”

No. 29 RB – Ahmad Hardy

Ahmad Hardy is a running back with exceptional talent, and potential to be a top-tier Division I athlete according to his head football coach Jesse Anderson. Hardy will be a 3 year starter (class of 2024) for Lawrence County Cougars this upcoming fall. This player is worth keeping an eye on for years to come.