Video Breakdown: 4-star DL Zavion Hardy commits to South Carolina
Heading into the weekend, we saw South Carolina players and coaches tweet #Trenches. Heck, the Cotton Gin even posted it on their marque.
At the time, I don’t think any of us really knew what that meant. On Sunday evening we found out.
Four-star defensive end, Zavion Hardy is the latest prospect to commit to Shane Beamer and South Carolina.
Standing at 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, Hardy is rated as the consensus 16th top defensive lineman in the nation. He’s also South Carolina’s second highest commitment, only slightly behind Markee Anderson.
The Georgia native has quick feet and power. He can make an impact in both stopping the run as well as putting pressure on the quarterback. Last season as a junior, he racked up 46 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and four sacks in just eight games.
What makes Hardy’s commitment even that much sweeter is that the Georgia native chooses USC over a handful of SEC schools. Those schools include, Florida, Georgia, Ole Miss and Auburn.
Much like with what I said on Thursday when Xzavior McLeod committed to South Carolina, Gamecocks’ defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey deserves a lot of credit. He’s played a vital role in being able to not only land Hardy and McLeod but four-star edge Monteque Rhames out of Sumter High School.
H.S. Scouting Summary
Raw and athletic monster along the defensive front whose athletic traits shine on tape and haunt the dreams of ball carriers in the heart of Georgia. Measures in just above 6-foot-4, 265 pounds with a 6-foot-9 wingspan. Has solid explosiveness and get-off. Jumped a 26-inch vertical during the spring camp circuit prior to his senior season. Possesses outstanding foot speed and initial burst. Strong hands and shock at the point of attack. Productive player who is a force in the run and passing game. Tallied up 46 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 4 sacks in 8 games during his junior season. A bit rigid when working laterally. Plenty of hip flexibility when engaged and able to consistently win battles for leverage. High upside prospect who has raw athletic potential combined with terrific size. Top 150 NFL draft potential with collegiate technique refinement in pass rush.
