FS Brandon Hardin of Oregon State ~ 6.2/216
"A tall, physically put together kid with a strong looking frame. Looks the part more of a safety than corer at this stage. Plays primary on the boundary and displays a natural feel for the game in zone with a passion when asked to come up and play the run.
Reads and reacts quickly to plays, keep his head on a swivel and recognizes his run/pass key. Takes good angles toward the football in pursuit vs. the run game, is a sound wrap-up guy who displays natural power and can create a snap into contact. Has the physicality to set the edge as well and works hard to shed blocks. Isn’t real quick when asked to play near the line and mirror initially vs. press coverage.
Does a good job sitting into his stance, but isn’t a natural bender and doesn’t look real comfortable trying to keep his base down through his backpedal. Allows his pad level to rise, struggles to maintain balance in press when trying to get his hands on defenders and too often is just forced to open up his hips and bail.
Doesn’t do a great job staying low when asked to turn and run, loses a step in his transition and you can get behind him down the field. Lacks the type of second gear to make up for a false step. Better suited in zone coverage where he doesn’t need to be as precise off the line.
Is physical on contact and gets just average depth in his drop in cover two. Plays faster because he’s able to decipher info quickly and get early jumps on the football. However, doesn’t have a great burst out of his breaks, looks stiff and plays a bit high.
A stud special teams player however. Works hard as a gunner, displays a passion for kick coverage and has the ability to make your team in that aspect alone.
Impression: Looks like a player who needs to transition to safety. I don’t think he’s a starter you can play in the deep half. However, if you’re looking for a reserve in the box type safety who can add some talent to your special teams unit, Hardin is your guy."
Reads and reacts quickly to plays, keep his head on a swivel and recognizes his run/pass key. Takes good angles toward the football in pursuit vs. the run game, is a sound wrap-up guy who displays natural power and can create a snap into contact. Has the physicality to set the edge as well and works hard to shed blocks. Isn’t real quick when asked to play near the line and mirror initially vs. press coverage.
Does a good job sitting into his stance, but isn’t a natural bender and doesn’t look real comfortable trying to keep his base down through his backpedal. Allows his pad level to rise, struggles to maintain balance in press when trying to get his hands on defenders and too often is just forced to open up his hips and bail.
Doesn’t do a great job staying low when asked to turn and run, loses a step in his transition and you can get behind him down the field. Lacks the type of second gear to make up for a false step. Better suited in zone coverage where he doesn’t need to be as precise off the line.
Is physical on contact and gets just average depth in his drop in cover two. Plays faster because he’s able to decipher info quickly and get early jumps on the football. However, doesn’t have a great burst out of his breaks, looks stiff and plays a bit high.
A stud special teams player however. Works hard as a gunner, displays a passion for kick coverage and has the ability to make your team in that aspect alone.
Impression: Looks like a player who needs to transition to safety. I don’t think he’s a starter you can play in the deep half. However, if you’re looking for a reserve in the box type safety who can add some talent to your special teams unit, Hardin is your guy."
"Has 15 career starts at CB, but has the build of a SS; hits like a LB and had 63 stops last fall; also forced three fumbles; former state 100M champion in Hawai’i, has excellent straight line speed, but isn’t very agile or physical;
Doesn’t track the ball all that well and has limited ball skills; indeed, had only three pass break-ups last fall when he also gave up too many big plays; physical skills make him an imposing gunner on special teams;
Played much of the 2008 season with cast on a broken hand and also sprained a wrist that ultimately required surgery; will miss much of the year after undergoing shoulder surgery late this summer."
Doesn’t track the ball all that well and has limited ball skills; indeed, had only three pass break-ups last fall when he also gave up too many big plays; physical skills make him an imposing gunner on special teams;
Played much of the 2008 season with cast on a broken hand and also sprained a wrist that ultimately required surgery; will miss much of the year after undergoing shoulder surgery late this summer."
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