Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Ronnie Hardison, DB, Webber International University
Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you.
What is your name?
Ronnie Hardison
What is your height position?
5’7, 160
What is your position?
Cornerback/ Nickel
Where do you play college football?
Elon University, Webber International University
How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?
Many since my grades were good. D1 teams such as West Point, Middle Tennessee State. Ivey League Teams Brow, Yale, Cornell, Dartmouth D1AA teams such as Elon, Charleston Southern
How did you choose your school?
I committed to Middle Tennessee State after my junior year in high school. But after the visit and due to a big coaching change I chose Elon for a more family environment and to me it was still great football.
Where are you from?
Sarasota, Florida
Who is your role model, and why?
My grandmother. She is the rock of my family everyone depends on her to provide, hard working nurse for almost 20 years who gets up everyday and smile through any struggles and keeps faith.
Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?
No, a few came by my school but no personal sit-downs.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I played baseball, football, and also ran in track in field.
Did you play any other positions in football?
I’ve always played corner since a sophomore but my senior year I also started at quarterback and corner/safety playing both sides of the ball. Growing up I also played both sides of the ball mostly quarterback, on defense corner, and safety.
At your position, what separates you from others?
My cover skills, IQ, being a sure tackler, and technique. I am a very smart defender at times I know what is coming due to studying film and just the game of football. Playing quarterback and defense through the years has helped me understand concepts for both sides of the ball. In the open field no matter the size I believe I can make the tackle by using my quickness and speed.
When you are breaking down film what do you look for?
Offensive tendencies, Formation and down and distance tendencies. Receiver tendencies such as stance, alignment, route running, favorites routes and how they come in and out of their breaks. Also QB strengths and weakness, drops. I take pride in film because preparation is key as a defensive back.
Who was the toughest player you ever faced?
Aaron Mallette WR from Elon University. I had to battle him everyday in one on one’s and team drills. With his 6’3 220 frame with athleticism and speed he made me a better player everyday.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?
Darrelle Revis although he is not the fastest or the biggest player he beats receiver and offenses with pure technique and IQ.
What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
The passing of my nephew last fall, he had a bad seizure the day after visiting my college game. Steeping back on the field was tough. I overcame it through faith and use it as my drive today.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Pray
What is your biggest strength?
Play recognition, techinique, tackling, cover skills.
What is your biggest weakness?
Size.. I think my biggest weakness is that people look at my size and underestimate me. But what I lack in size I make up with in ability, technique, determination, effort and heart. No matter the size of a player I don’t back down.
If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?
Sir I am the type of player that everyday on and off the field will give 110% in everything that I do. I have always been the smallest guy in the room but that has never stop me from competing with the best, I am determined to show up everyday, work hard, and give max effort. No matter one play two plays or no plays I am the type of guy that does what it takes for my team. Football is not just a game for me it is my life. I want to play this game for as long as I can but not for fortune or fame but to change my family history. Opportunities are only given once in a lifetime, my grandfather once told me all you need in life is one opportunity.
Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up and why?
Bucs, No Player
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?
My grandmother, My Dad (died when I was two), My Grandfather
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com