DeAngelo Hardy is going into his senior year at North Central College as one of the best Division III football players in the country. The North Central Cardinals are the reigning NCAA Division III National Champions and are looking for their second-straight and third-ever National Championship this year. 

DeAngelo Hardy was the only junior wide receiver to be named to the 2022 D3football.com first-team All-American team. Hardy led the team in catches (70), receiving yards (1,198), and touchdowns (20). In his three seasons, Hardy has 2,900 receiving yards which is second all-time at North Central. Hardy also set the school record for the longest reception (94 yards) in the NCAA National Championship game. 

Hardy will lead the Cardinals this 2023 season along with quarterback Luke Lehnen, running back Joe Sacco, and linebacker BJ Adamchick. Head coach Brad Spencer has an incredible roster behind him that will be looking to defend their title.

Hardy has already made the D3football.com Preseason First-Team All-American team. If he has another spectacular season, Hardy could be in contention for the 2024 NFL Draft. Hardy could join other Division III NFL players such as Saints tight end Dan Arnold, cornerback and Super Bowl champion Darious Williams, and Chicago Bears linebacker Nicholas Morrow. 

The number one ranked North Central's season begins tomorrow, September 2nd at 1 PM against Roosevelt University. 

Image Credit: North Central College Cardinals

* Originally published on September 1, 2023, by Bella Nevin