DeAngelo Hardy’s performance during North Central College’s NCAA Division III quarterfinal game on Saturday made people wonder.

Has anyone ever done that?

The senior wide receiver recorded his 57th career touchdown catch, tying Andrew Kamienski’s program record. Hardy also threw a TD pass, intercepted a Hail Mary throw at the end of the first half and returned an onside kick for a TD.

“The stat line is silly,” NCC coach Brad Spencer said. “It just shows his versatility. That’s why so many NFL scouts have come through. You just have to tip your cap and recognize how superior an athlete and football player he is.”

The 6-foot-2, 197-pound Hardy’s highlights during the top-ranked Cardinals’ 55-42 road win against No. 4 Wisconsin-La Crosse are just the latest in a career filled with them for the Lakes graduate.

Hardy acknowledged it may be the first time such a combination of plays has ever been happened in a college football game. He also took a playful swipe at star cornerback Antwain Walker, an Oswego East graduate who doesn’t have an interception this season.

Ultimately, though, that’s not what’s on Hardy’s mind.

“It means a lot, but I don’t want that to distract me from my end goal,” he said. “I have my eyes on the main prize.”

The Cardinals (13-0), who are the defending national champions and winners of two of the past three titles, will go on the road again to play No. 3 Wartburg (13-0) in a semifinal in Waverly, Iowa, at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

“It gives us a challenge,” Hardy said. “We love playing during the regular season, but this is what we play for.

“We’re just being present and enjoying our time with each other. We’re trying to embrace being with everybody and being grateful for where we are.”

Hardy is a big reason for the Cardinals’ success. He has 66 catches for 1,179 yards and 19 TDs as star quarterback Luke Lehnen’s top target, two rushing TDs, three TD passes and the kickoff return. Hardy ranks second behind Kamienski in career receptions and career receiving yards.

“He’s got so many strengths,” NCC offensive coordinator Eric Stuedemann said. “He’s a complete football player. You saw that on full display this past weekend. As a program, we try to put each player in the best opportunity and cater toward their strengths to help the team. He can help the team in so many ways.”

Despite all the talent, Hardy has remained humble, according to Spencer.

“He’s never once in his time here come to me and said, ‘How are you going to get me the ball? I need more touches,’” Spencer said. “Not once. To have a receiver of his ability never complain or ask for the football, he’s been so much fun to be around these last few years.”

Hardy’s versatility, speed and frame have resulted in droves of NFL scouts descending on Naperville. He said he’s hoping to be the first-ever NCC player to be drafted.

“They like my versatile playing style,” he said. “They also say it’s my knowledge and size and speed. Hopefully they keep liking what they see and on draft day they pick me.

“I’ve had the mindset that I have to get drafted and that’s why I do all the hard work. I need to do it for me and my family. We’ve been through a lot in my life.”

Stuedemann is hopeful too.

“I feel like he should get an opportunity,” Stuedemann said. “That’s all you can ever ask for. Then it’s on him to make the most of it, like he has throughout his career here.”

Hardy’s eyes are on Wartburg, however.

“Just focusing and staying present in the moment,” he said. “After the season, I’ll get into NFL training. This is my last year with the guys. I’m enjoying my time with them.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.

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