By not finishing the 2023-24 season the way they had hoped, Hardge is entering his next season with high expectations.
“The confidence is really high because last year we didn’t have a good season,” Hardge said. “So, during basketball and track [season], we have been talking about how we are going to put a whooping on everybody and how we are going to get better throughout the summer.”
Hardge ended his junior season with First Team All-Region honors for Region 5A-Division I as a defensive back.
As for his goals in his final season, Hardge wants to get Social Circle to the promised land along with boosting his own standing as a prospect for college football.
“I have a goal for getting higher grades so I can hopefully get college offers for football and to get a ring for the school,” Hardge said.
As a player who plays both offense and defense, Hardge prided himself on picking up on the little things and being a student of the game.
“I pay attention, even when the other coaches are talking to a [different] player. I pay attention to the little details," Hardge said. “I also just watch a lot of football. When I am at home, I watch a lot of high school football and college. I just try to put it all together.”
Along with playing both sides of the ball, Hargde is also a multi-sport athlete.
Hardge plays football, basketball and track and field for Social Circle. When asked which sport is the toughest, Hardge gave it to basketball.
On the football field, Hardge prides himself on giving it his all on every down of every game.
“Play after play, I am always 100 percent — never lacking hustle,” Hardge said.
Whether it is someone he played with or someone he has seen on TV, there have been many people who have inspired Hardge in his athletic career.
Locally, Hardge spoke to the guidance he received from former Redskins’ basketball player Lamarius Jackson.
“Before he went back to Coastal Alabama, we did a little bit of training for basketball and we text,” Hardge said. “He tells me about stuff and to keep my head on straight and how to get better in life.”
As for someone in the college or pro game, Hardge spoke about seven-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady.
“When I was younger, I played [recreation] football and I used to play for the Patriots,” Hardge said. “I thought we had something similar and he is always a winner. He never showed bad sportsmanship unless someone else did something. That is one person who inspired me.”
Hardge’s contributions to the team go beyond his play on the field, too.
Hardge has taken more snaps than almost anyone on the roster, and he does not take that leadership and experience for granted.
“I have seen the school when we were worse [and] won no football games [and] no basketball games all the way to it being boosted up to where we have winning seasons in both sports,” Hardge said. “We have sent people for state in track. I just love how the school’s sports and academics have boosted up so much.”
