hardy attended william henry harrison high school, where he received numerous awards and accolades as a high school football player. as a senior, he posted 127 tackles (47 solo), 2 interceptions, 32 receptions for 610 yards and 13 touchdowns, 55 carries for 410 yards, returned 6 punts for 42 yards and 15 kickoffs for 344 yards. he received all-evansville, city player of the year, all-southern indiana and conference and region player of the year honors.