Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)
The Indiana Hoosiers have available scholarships and a need for additional depth at linebacker. Instead of adding more linebackers through the transfer portal, head coach Curt Cignetti and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines have turned to the high school ranks and secured a commitment from Rolijah Hardy.
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Hardy was committed to the Navy Midshipmen and spent the 2023 season playing for the Navy Prep School. He will be coming to Indiana as a true freshman with four seasons of eligibility. Hardy previously played in Florida at Lakeland High School and he was a standout performer during the 2022 season after suffering injuries earlier in his high school career. He is 6’1” and 225 pounds and was described by his high school defensive coordinator as being a true leader.
“Ro’s a great player,” Bill Buldini told the Lakeland Ledger in 2022. “He is our true leader, there’s no doubt about it. He gets everyone lined up, he’s smart, he’s fast and strong. He’s the full package.”
Prior to committing to Navy, Hardy had offers from Tulane, South Florida and Arkansas State among others. He was a standout basketball player and eventually led Lakeland with 101 tackles in 2022. He joins Quentin Clark as the other incoming linebacker for the Indiana Hoosiers.