#17 Tra Hardy
Class: Junior
Hometown: Vidalia, Ga.
High School: Vidalia HS
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 185
Position: DB
2015 (Sophomore): Saw action in seven games on the year, each as a defensive substitute and in special teams … Finished the year with nine tackles including eight solo stops … Racked up 305 all-purpose yards on 14 kickoff returns, averaging 43.6 all-purpose yards per game … Posted a career-best 102 return yards on four kickoff returns at VMI (Nov. 21) including a career-long of 37 yards.
2014 (Freshman): Saw action in six games on special teams and as a defensive reserve ... Finished with two tackles, both solo stops ... Made his collegiate debut in the home-opener against Brevard (Sept. 6), recording his first career tackle in the win ... Matched his career-best tackle with one against The Citadel (Oct. 25) ... Playing for the Purple squad, credited with three tackles including a sack while also recording an interception and a pass break-up in WCU's annual Spring Game.
Prior to Western Carolina: A solid, all-round performer who is a three-sport standout ... Was named to the AJC AA All-State team and the 2-AA Offensive Player of the Year ... Named to the Georgia Coaches Association All-State team as a defensive back and Earned Enmark All-Star team honors as a running back ... Accounted for 30 total touchdowns during his senior season ... Rushed for 1,672 yards and 24 touchdowns with 10 catches for 218 receiving yards and two scores ... Defensively, finished with 58 tackles and two sacks ... Recorded five interceptions returning two for touchdowns including a 90 yard, pick-six against Atkinson County ... Started three years at cornerback ... Was also key in the Indians' special teams on kick returns, returning a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns in earning first team All-Middle Georgia honors ... Scored six touchdowns in a single game against Metter on Sept. 27, 2013, compiling 183 rushing yards on 17 carries with a 55-yard TD reception ... Also played basketball and baseball as a prep, starting for both squads ... High school coach was Lee Chomskis.
Personal: Full name is Travares Hardy, but prefers to go by Tra (pronounced Tray) ... Is the son of Gregg Hardy and Constance Durden.
