Add cornerback KiAnte Hardin to the list of true freshmen expected to play for the Gophers this season.
Gophers expect Hardin to play as a true freshman
KiAnte Hardin, a cornerback from Webb City, Mo., has made a strong impression on the coaching staff.
August 18, 2015 at 9:44PM
![Defender KiAnte Hardin (right) broke up a pass to Hunter Register . ] JIM GEHRZ � james.gehrz@startribune.com / St. Paul, MN / August 15, 2015 / 10:15 AM � BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Gophers have a scrimmage open to the public and media on Saturday at Concordia College in St. Paul.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/RYE3ATTLMTSUGRVWAD3GEBGWI4.jpg?&w=712)
Hardin comes from Webb City (Mo.) High School, the same school where Jerry Kill began his head coaching career, in 1988. Kill led the Cardinals to a Missouri state title in 1989. That started a dynasty, as the Cardinals have won 15 state titles since then, including the past five in a row.
Hardin was part of a team that went 15-0 last year. He also starred in track, winning the state title in the 100 meters (10.71 seconds) and finishing second in the 400 meters (48.14 seconds). **Note, I had the wrong time earlier for the 400 meters.
Kill said the 5-10, 170-pound Hardin will be a factor this season, at least on special teams. Hardin has been getting several reps with the second-team defense.
"He has a good feel for the game," defensive backs coach Jay Sawvel said Tuesday. "He has a lot of instinct. He runs very, very well. He's a competitive guy. We definitely like what we've seen."
High Schools
Chip Scoggins
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