Justin Hardy Breaks NCAA Reception Record
Did you know that Ryan Broyles was the NCAA career reception holder? Not any more. Justin Hardy of the East Carolina Pirates is now the leader after he caught his 349th reception against the Tulane Green Wave.
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Hardy is sort of a Wes Welker story for the Pirates. He was overlooked coming out of Vanceboro, NC and walked on to the East Carolina team. He found his spot as the guy who just catches stuff and never looked back. Hopefully, he can tap into Welker’s mojo to have a career at the next level too. If not, he could always be the next Lincoln Riley.
Nov 22, 2014; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Justin Hardy (2) is congratulated by teammates after his 2nd quarter record breaking catch against he Tulane Green Wave at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Hardy had nine catches of 104 yards for an average of 11.6 yards per catch. He did not find the end zone, but his compatriots did enough times to beat Tulane 34-6. His quarterback Shane Carden threw for more than 350 yards, but the running backs got the glory by plunging into the end zone.
Nov 22, 2014; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Justin Hardy (2) reacts during the game against he Tulane Green Wave at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The East Carolina Pirates defeated the Tulane Green Wave 34-6. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Hardy’s NFL future is uncertain, but the guy can catch a football. That has to fit in somewhere out there. Hopefully his record for catches will survive longer than Broyles did. Broyles’ record strikes me as odd since Oklahoma just broke the single game rushing record that was set last week. Spread offenses are common, but Hardy should be alone on that mountain for a little while.