The Recruiting Guy

Pocahontas' Hardage impresses Razorback O-line coach

2018 offensive lineman Jake Hardage.
2018 offensive lineman Jake Hardage.

The approximately 400 or so athletes at Arkansas’ three-day camp were trying to catch the attention of the coaching staff and junior offensive lineman Jake Hardage did just that.

Hardage, 6-5, 334 pounds of Pocahontas has a scholarship offer from Southeast Missouri State while drawing interest from Arkansas. Auburn, Florida State, Arkansas State, LSU and North Carolina.

Hog offensive line coach Kurt Anderson liked Hardage’s consistency during the camp.

“He said to have a good season and that he would be keeping an eye on me,” said Hardage, who graded out at 95 precent and had 55 pancake blocks last year. “He said he would like to see me at the camp again next year.”

Hardage, who has a 325 pound bench press, 515 squat, 280 power clean and 550 dead lift, will apply some of Anderson’s teachings this fall.

“He helped me learn the little things that go into run and pass blocking rather than the basics and he taught me how to work on those,” Hardage said.

He attended Missouri State’s camp and has plans to camp at LSU and possibly Florida State. Hardage liked one particular part of the Arkansas camp.

“My favorite would have to be the combat zone tournament,” Hardage said. “It was a drill that was meant to work on pass blocking and not.getting driven backwards.”

Anderson’s coaching style and personality was a hit with Hardage.

“I think he’s a great coach and an even better guy,” Hardage said. “He knows his stuff and seems cool to be around.”

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