Pat Benson
There is a lot of pressure that goes in to playing quarterback in high school. There is even more pressure when you are the starting quarterback at McCallie, the premiere private school and football powerhouse in Chattanooga. Study hall, advanced courses, college prep, practice, film room, etc. Over and over, every day for four years. But that is all in a day’s work for DeAngelo Hardy.
It takes an exceptional young man to handle that responsibility, and to excel both on the field and in the classroom. During his junior season the dual-threat quarterback accumulated 1,276 passing yards, 1,400 rushing yards, and 25 total touchdowns. Hardy helped lead the Blue Tornado to a 10-2 season where they got within a game of playing for the Division II-AAA State Championship Game.
In the classroom, he has a core GPA of 3.3 with a passion for writing. Hardy said, “My favorite course as of last year, is English. I love where writing can take you, and it takes me to another level mentally.” He says with a laugh that any of the math courses he has taken have been more challenging.
Match those athletic accomplishments with a passion for learning, and it comes as no surprise that the 5’11, 185lb. signal caller has earned 25+ D1 offers from FCS and FBS programs. Wherever he plays next, Hardy already has decided to study Psychology. Ultimately, he wants to help endangered teens overcome their problems and become successful adults.
So what is driving this young man to work so hard? It starts with family. First, his mother who he credits for being his biggest influence. “She is a very strong, resilient woman and I feel she deserves the world. It drives me like no other.”
Second is his football family, the coaches and teammates he spends so much time with. Hardy explained how playing under Coach Ralph Potter has been a great experience. He admires all of the time and work the coaching staff takes away from their own lives and families to work with the team. They have taught Hardy how to not only be the best football player, but the best man he can be.
As for his teammates, “My teammates and I are very driven to be the best us we can be. Everyone helps lead and drive the team in some way. We hold each other accountable for everything. I feel like we have it all together this year, everyone is ready and locked in on a common goal. It's really a brotherhood man. My brothers.”
That common goal will be tested by the daunting schedule McCallie will face this upcoming season. B.A., Knox-Catholic, West Forsyth, Ensworth, and highly-ranked teams from California and Florida. Trap games sprinkled in against Father Ryan and Webb. And don’t forget the rivalry game against Baylor which consumes the city for a week.
But for now, Hardy is focused on improving his game before his senior season. When asked what he’s working on it was an easy answer, “Speed and quickness. My arm is finally feeling good, and can’t wait to spin the rock this season. I’ve been working on it all offseason, including today.”
When he’s not working on his craft this summer, you won’t find Hardy chilling by the pool or playing Fortnite. He will be working for the Parks and Recreation Department, helping with kids and umpiring youth games. Both on and off the field, class is in session with DeAngelo Hardy and he will be handing out lessons this season.
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Look for continued high school football coverage this summer as we get ready for the 2019 kickoff.
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Pat Benson is a fixture at high school sporting events. He has been a sideline reporter, P.A. announcer, and radio personality. Tweet him @Pat_Benson_Jr.
DeAngelo Hardy