Add cornerback KiAnte Hardin to the list of true freshmen expected to play for the Gophers this season.

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."