Hardy Returns for Third PSU Visit

Penn State hosted one of its most coveted prospects Saturday in Paramus Catholic defensive lineman Dorian Hardy.

A member of the Rivals250, Hardy made the trip to State College back in May and July, but he was unable to visit for a game this past season. He then had to postpone a trip for junior day earlier this spring, making Saturday’s visit his first in almost 10 months.

However, despite the fact that he hasn’t been able to visit, his mother, Sharon Hardy, made it very clear that their relationship with the staff is as strong as ever.

“Many places have one or two (coaches) that stick out, but we both love the whole staff at Penn State and have from day one,” said Mrs. Hardy. “Also the family environment that Franklin has created and demanded. You feel it, you truly feel it. It’s not just words.”

She went on to add, “When we met with Coach Franklin yesterday before the spring game, he was waiting to accept us with open arms. He wants Dorian and he’s also been the most consistent and up front.”

In addition to speaking with the coaching staff, Hardy was also able to hang out with a few of the players that have already committed. His mother said that he’s already close with two players in particular.

“He already knows Robbie Martin and Corey Bolds,” she said. “They’re both excited and tell him often that Penn State is the place to be. He has friendships with both of them and we know they wouldn't steer him wrong.”

In the past few weeks, Hardy has been able to visit Michigan, Ohio State, Pitt and Yale. It’s still unclear if he’ll take a few more unofficial visits before narrowing his list of schools.

“Penn State was his last visit for now. He’s getting ready for camps now, plus his season. We’re not counting another visit out, but nothing is scheduled right now. We may wait and see how things go, then just choose his five officials. We’ll see.”

Hardy is currently ranked No. 128 overall in the Class of 2018. He's currently the sixth-ranked defensive end, but at 6-foot-4, 252 pounds, there's a good chance he'll grow into a defensive tackle if he were to attend Penn State. Hardy is also the fifth-ranked prospect in New Jersey.

Over the past year, he's earned more than 20 scholarship offers. Top schools include Alabama, Clemson, Florida, LSU, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio State, Pitt, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin.