|
Published: September 04, 2008 11:24 pm
BILLS: James Hardy rookie card
By Jay Skurski
E-mail Jay
Patience, as frustrating as it can be, is one of the lessons James Hardy has learned during his short career with the Buffalo Bills.
The wide receiver from Indiana with the basketball height, Hardy was chosen in the second round, 41st overall, filling the Bills’ most glaring need heading into the draft. Just like that, the jump ball became an option for the offense.
While it takes most rookie receivers a few years to adjust to the NFL level, there’s no time for that on an offense that set a team record for fewest touchdowns in a season a year ago.
That’s why a nagging hamstring injury that kept him out of two preseason games and plenty of reps at training camp made Hardy anxious.
Patience, James, patience.
“I really looked at it like, ‘OK, I can’t be out there, because if I’m out there it’s going to be lingering the entire year.’ I just had to get more mental reps,” he said. “I had to watch more film and break things down that way.”
Hardy was able to take the field for the Bills’ final preseason game against Detroit. Though he finished with a modest two catches for 30 yards, just being on the field helped him clear a mental hurdle.
“It was huge for me to come in and actually get a couple of balls,” he said. “I’m just trying to get used to that contact that comes with the NFL.”
Bills coach Dick Jauron made it clear Wednesday the Bills still have big plans for Hardy, despite the injury.
“I think we have to expect a lot out of him,” Jauron said. “He won’t have the whole playbook. You know, he missed significant time in training camp and it was a nagging injury, and what it did to him was put him in a position … where he couldn’t do what he needed and what we needed, which was play faster. … He wasn’t at a point where he was thinking about what he was supposed to do, he was just reacting with that size and that ability, and that’s where we need him. We’ve got to expect him to do that. If he’s going to be active, and we anticipate he will be, we’re going to get him on the field.”
That’s exactly where Hardy wants to be.
“There are a lot of expectations and I’m just trying to come in and fulfill them the best I can,” he said.
Contact reporter Jay Skurski at 693-1000, Ext. 117.
• POSITION: Wide receiver
• AGE: 22
• DRAFT: Second round, 41st overall
• COLLEGE: Indiana
• HEIGHT: 6-foot-5
• WEIGHT: 220
• HOMETOWN: Fort Wayne, Ind.
|
|
|
Photos
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Cleaners
Housekeeping, Summer/ permanent help, p/t-4 day work wk, no w/e, bonuses, car nec. 694-2810 ...>MORE
Medical Office Assistant
MED. OFFICE ASST, PT, exp pref but not necessary, Med-Dent know- ledge helpful. Email resume to: mary paones sa@yahoo.c...>MORE
Cashiers
CASHIERS - Looking for cashiers for convenience store in Wrights Corners. Call 689-0600 ext. 31. ...>MORE
Bartender / Cook
BARTENDER/COOK
Part Time. No experience necessary. Call 438-1460 from 1-8pm...>MORE
Lead Carpenter
LEAD Carpenter for Pole barn builder/steel roofing company Exp. req. Call 716-438-7720....>MORE
Siding Installer
SIDING Installer, light construction. Pay based on exp. Will train. Must have transp. 434-3430...>MORE
Technicians
CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS
Exam Date: 9/12/09
Filing Period:
7/6/09 -7/22/09
EXAM FEE: $20.00
N.F. WA...>MORE
Service Greeter
Service greeter wanted, part time temp assignment for 4-8 wks. Mon. Tues. Thurs. 5-9, Sat. 9-5. Apply with in David Ch...>MORE
Accountant
Accountant
(Manufacturing)
Payroll/benefits reporting, cash receipts, accounts payable, GL mainten...>MORE
Occupational Therapist
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST. Full-time day position. NYS license and registration required. Send resume or apply: Employment ...>MORE
See all ads |
1990 Chevy 2500
1990 CHEVY 2500 pick up, fresh paint, 160k mi, good runner, 4WD, ext cab, $2500, 716-572-9153...>MORE
Dodge 1996 Grand Caravan
Niagara Falls
2753 NIAGARA ST.
FRI. SAT.
9AM-4PM
oriental rug, old tools, antique car parts, toys, ...>MORE
RNs
SCHOELLKOPF HEALTH CENTER
C.O.T.A.- Short Term
Rehab Clinic
Opportunity to work in dynamic ...>MORE
1994 Buick Roadmaster Wagon
BUICK 1994 Roadmaster Estate Wagon, V8, 130k, fair condition, 1 owner. $2800 or BO. 297-1061....>MORE
Chevrolet 2002 Cavalier
CHEVROLET 2002 CAVALIER with 80,00 miles. Must see! Well maintained! Silver ext., Gray int., 2DR, Automatic, Fro...>MORE
1994 Pontiac Sunbird
PONTIAC 1994 Sunbird conv. V6, EC in & out, red w/blk top, wht int., CD, real sharp. $2850. 523-7102...>MORE
Audi 1998 A6 Sedan
Audi 1998 A6 Sedan with 160k miles. Charcoal ext., Tan int., 4DR, Automatic, AWD, 6 Cylinder, Gas engine. Pow...>MORE
Dodge 2001 SLT
‘O1 DODGE SLT, 8’ bed, cap, spray line, low miles. Never seen winters, $7,300. 998-0230...>MORE
FORD 1999 150
FORD 1999 150 pickup, good cond., tool box, bedliner, standard, $2500 or BO. 523-3653...>MORE
Ford Escape XLT 2001
FORD ESCAPE XLT 2001, remote start, new catalytic converter, 116K, $3800 or best offer. 480-3031...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|
Print this story
E-mail this story
