In his football career, Ottawa REDBLACKS wide receiver Justin Hardy has been successful at every turn, whether in the CFL, NFL, in college, or at West Craven High School in North Carolina.
Few people are more understanding of Hardy’s difficult football journey than his high school coach, Michael McKeel, who made the trip to Ottawa from his home in North Carolina, to take in the REDBLACKS’ 33-6 win over the Calgary Stampeders in Week 8.
Along with his wife and 12-year-old son, they took in a practice ahead of the game, and reconnected with Hardy on the field. Though they have watched games on T.V. to support the 32-year-old, it was their first time ever attending a CFL game.
The game itself was enjoyable for McKeel and his family, but nothing compared to seeing one of his former players play pro football – one of five from West Craven.
The floods of memories came flying back for McKeel, highlighting all the times that Hardy scored touchdowns on the practice field, and got right back to work.
“When he would catch a pass or score a touchdown, there was never any showboating,” McKeel said. “He caught the ball and went back to the huddle, and get ready for the next play. He’s always had a workman-like attitude about him.”
In Hardy’s junior year in high school, he was a productive wide receiver, but as he went into his senior year, McKeel’s team needed a quarterback, and Hardy was more than willing to step into the role.
“The thing that sets him apart from anyone else is that he’s a team player, no matter what,” McKeel said. “Whatever he’s asked to do, he’s always done it. That’s what I love about his character.”
He passed for over 2,500 yards that season, and threw 35 touchdowns, on top of using his legs to scramble, but he still couldn’t get much recognition on the recruiting trail.
Hardy eventually walked on at East Carolina University after West Craven Head Coach Kevin Yost pounded the table for him, and sent his tape in. It took an opportunity as a walk-on for Hardy to get his chance, something McKeel will never forget.
“It was very humbling,” McKeel said. “You talk about someone who had to work hard for everything they got. He never gave up on his dream to play college football.”
Hardy’s rise through the NCAA record books is well documented, eventually becoming the all-time leader in receptions, before moving to the NFL.
Now the head coach of the West Craven baseball team, McKeel references Hardy’s determination every day, telling his players that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.
“I use him as an example for my baseball kids today,” McKeel said. “He was a national honours society, never got in trouble, and if you mention Justin Hardy to a teacher, a smile comes across their face because he was a positive impact on the classroom. You never had to tell him more than once what to do.”
