Eagles Draft Profile: East Carolina WR Justin Hardy

Oct 23, 2014; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Justin Hardy (2) catches a 1st quarter touchdown pass against the Connecticut Huskies defensive back Jhavon Williams (6) at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Film Study

As mentioned before, East Carolina wide receiver Justin Hardy isn’t blowing any fan, scout or coach away with his size. But it’s what he does on the field that will stand out to them…and that’s all that should really matter. A player can have all the size in the world but if they can’t run a proper route, catch with their hands or get separation, then it is all for nothing.

Hardy had a very impressive college career but for this film study, I’ll be focusing on two games from his final season with the Pirates in 2014. The first game was from November 11, 2014 against the Cincinnati Bearcats, the other game is the Birmingham Bowl against the Florida Gators on January 3, 2015. Thanks to the great team at Draft Breakdown for their work once again with these videos. Now time to break-down some film of Hardy on the field!

1) This first page of plays will be from Justin Hardy’s game against Cincinnati. On this first play, Hardy runs a quick slant route and makes a tough catch for the first down, impressive hands.

2) Hardy shows his ability as an outside receiver here with a curl route at the sticks and then gets a bit more yards after the catch as well.

3) On this play, Hardy is at outside receiver again and uses a stutter step to get past the cornerback and jumps up to make a great catch.

4) In the slot this time, Hardy runs an out and up route down the sideline and does a good job of turning around and adjusting to the ball, bringing it in for a big gain.

5) As an inside receiver again, Hardy beats the cornerback with a move inside and gets mauled by the cornerback but still manages to shake free, stay in the play and grabs the touchdown a few seconds later.

6) On this final play, Hardy throws a ridiculous block on the cornerback that actually sends him back and takes out a defensive linemen as well. The power Hardy shows as a blocker really shows up on tape, very impressive.

Next: Film Study (continued)