Starting Lineup: The ‘sky’s the limit’ for instant-impact Spartan Justice Hardy
To recognize the top players in Berks football MikeDragoSports.com has selected the “Starting Lineup,” a preseason All-Berks team that includes the top linemen, backs, receivers, linebackers, and specialists.
Players were selected based on past performance, expected performance this season and college potential. Two-way players were given special consideration.
A college coach’s evaluation is included with each story.
One player will be introduced each day, in random order (the players are not ranked). This is the eighth installment of the series.
Justice Hardy, Wyomissing
| 5-9 | 175 | Sophomore | HB/WR/CB/KR |
BACKSTORY: Fans were dazzled by Justice Hardy’s debut last season as the freshman found the end zone three times in Wyomissing’s season-opener.
His recollection of that win at Kennard-Dale is a slightly different. The first thing he brings up is the touchdown he gave up just before halftime when he bit on an inside fake and the receiver broke free to the corner.
That’s noteworthy because it’s one of the few mistakes Hardy made in a ninth-grade season that saw him earn all-league, All-Berks, and All-State recognition.
Not many freshman crack the starting lineup at Wyomissing. The system is tough to pick up, and there’s a lot of competition for playing time in a program that has claimed 12 District 3 championships, including the last five.
Hardy wasn’t only fast enough and strong enough to get on the field but he was smart enough. He quickly earned the trust of head coach Bob Wolfrum, was a starter at cornerback from Day 1, and gained increasing time returning kicks and in the backfield.
“It’s hard for a freshman,” Wolfrum said, “(but) every once in a while you get one physically gifted enough, mature enough, who gets it right away. Justice was that guy. That doesn’t usually happen.”
Hardy ended up with a team-high four interceptions for a defense that ranked No. 2 overall in the 37-team Lancaster-Lebanon League in pass defense and No. 3 in total defense. He was the lone freshman named to the Pennsylvania Football News Coaches Class 3A All-State first team.
“I was pretty impressed with how he picked everything up as a freshman,” said senior safety Derek Macrina, one of the guys who took Hardy under his wing and helped bring him up to speed.
All-State linebacker Ryker Jones was another. He saw the work ethic and potential in Hardy and tutored him on the finer points of defense. Jones was also Hardy’s biggest fan.
“He’s got it,” Jones said after seeing Hardy score on a 5-yard run, 31-yard reception, and Pick Six in the “Backyard Brawl” against Berks Catholic. “He’s definitely legit.”
Those were just a few of the highlights during a season which saw Hardy score 12 TDs, second on the team. He scored six times on runs, four times on receptions, and twice on interceptions. He averaged 8.6 yards per carry and led the team in receptions with 13.
He’ll dwarf those numbers this year as he becomes one of the lead backs and handles more kick returns. He could also line up at split end and stretch the field in that manner. Of all the skills he has – and they are many – pass-catching might be at the top of the list.
“It’s like we have Max Hurleman back,” said Wolfrum of the former Spartans great who’s now playing at Notre Dame. “(Justice) catches balls all over the place. He’s got enough speed that he seems to always be open, he catches the ball well, and he goes and gets it well, too.
“If there’s a jump (ball), he’s gonna come down with it. He just can use his body to help shield so he can get to the ball. He has that Kinesthetic sense.”
Hardy could be one of the fastest players in the Lancaster-Lebanon League. He was an early favorite to be the Berks sprint champ in the spring but quad and hamstring issues kept him from reaching top speed. Even at that he recorded an 11.27 PR in the 100 and finished fourth at districts in 11.38 despite re-injuring his quad with about 20 meters to go in that race.
He doesn’t spend a lot of time on basketball but he’s a terror on the court nonetheless. His quickness and aggressiveness make him a virtual one-man fullcourt press.
No doubt he’s been blessed with a lot of natural physical gifts. His father, Reggie Hardy, was a top running back at Reading High. His mom, Kate (Brenner) Speaks, was a sprinter and all-around athlete for the Red Knights. His uncle Tony Hardy, who played at Reading, is arguably the greatest wide receiver in Berks history.
Justice enhances his physical bounty with a relentless training routine. He quickly earned a reputation last season as one of the hardest workers on the team, at practice and in the weight room.
“I don’t think I know anyone who works on his craft every single day as much as he does,” said senior Caleb Beane.
Justice stands just 5-9 but he’s not concerned that his height will hold him back. He’s up to 175 pounds, 20 more than last season, and he’s faster. He’s well aware that the average NFL running back is 5-10. He’s aiming high and isn’t afraid to work to achieve his dream.
“If I keep up my strength and speed I think I can get there,” he said.
For now he remains the second-most accomplished athlete in his own household. Sister Alexis, a senior at Wyomissing, has won district gold medals in soccer, basketball, and track. She reminds little brother of that.
“That’s motivated me a lot,” he said.
ROLE: Cornerback, running back, wide receiver, kick returner.
COLLEGE PROSPECTS: No offers yet but Division I programs will soon be paying close attention.
COACH’S TAKE: “Justice is a dynamic, explosive play-maker on offense. Has unbelievable closing speed on defense. He gets out of his backpedal and closes on the football. The sky is the limit the next three years.”
Starting Lineup
| Xavier Beatty | Reading High | WR/S/CB/KR | Sr. |
| Aris Drake | Twin Valley | T/DT | Sr. |
| Chase Eisenhower | Wyomissing | FB/LB | Jr. |
| Justic Hardy | Wyomissing | HB/WR/CB/KR | Soph. |
| Reese Hohl | Gov. Mifflin | RB/WR/CB/KR | Sr. |
| Evan Myers | Twin Valley | QB/DB | Sr. |
| Luke Spotts | Schuylkill Valley | TE/LB | Sr. |
| Logan Wegman | Exeter | T/DT | Sr. |
