Hardy Declares for NFL Draft

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Junior wide receiver James Hardy of the Indiana football team has elected to forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2008 NFL Draft. This season, Hardy became the Hoosiers' all-time and single-season record holder in receptions and touchdown catches and holds the school's career mark in receiving yards.

"After carefully examining my football career here at Indiana University, and consulting with my family, I have concluded that I have reached the pinnacle of my college football career," Hardy said. "Therefore, I have decided to forgo my senior year and declare myself eligible for the NFL Draft this spring. I would like to thank Indiana University for its support over these past few years. Finally, it is my fondest hope that I have the blessing of this great University and its supporters."

Hardy was a first team All-Big Ten selection and was named an All-American by the Associated Press, SI.com, Rivals.com, CollegeFootballNews.com and the Walter Camp Football Foundation.

"We appreciate everything James has contributed to Indiana University," Indiana head coach Bill Lynch said. "It has been amazing watching him grow not only as a football player, but also as a man. James leaves Indiana as the greatest wide receiver in school history and we wish him all of the best in the NFL."

Hardy shattered Indiana's career and single-season receiving marks in 2007. Hardy is the Hoosiers' all-time receiving leader in touchdowns (36), yards (2,740) and receptions (191). He is the only wide receiver in Indiana history to surpass 2,500 career yards, 175 career receptions and 35 career touchdowns.

The Fort Wayne, Ind., native completed the 2007 season with 1,125 yards, 16 touchdowns (second nationally), 79 receptions, 86.5 yards per game and 14.2 yards per grab. Hardy set new single-season school records in touchdowns and receptions while finishing second in yards and becoming just the fourth Hoosier to reach the 1,000-yard mark. He caught a TD in 11 of 13 games, which is a school record, and finished tied for third on the Big Ten's single-season list with his 16 scores.

Hardy is looking to become the third Hoosier since 2002 to be drafted and move on to the NFL as a wide receiver. Courtney Roby was selected in the third round by Tennessee in 2005, while Antwaan Randle El was chosen in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002. Eleven former Hoosiers are currently on NFL rosters.