All-State MVP, All-Area MVP, All-Conference MVP— do these titles ring any bells? They should, as they all belong to ULM’s powerhouse: Ahmad Hardy.
Hardy is a natural-born athlete who was born in Brookhaven and raised in Oma, Mississippi. He played it all: football, basketball, baseball, soccer and track.
While he played other sports to stay active, football took on a much more meaningful role in his life.
“I started playing football at the age of five, and I did not have a reason to play until I got older,” Hardy said.
When asked about any football related goals this season, Hardy kept it simple. According to him, his goals are to “get 1,000 rushing yards and go to a bowl game.”
Having racked up nearly 400 rushing yards this season with seven more games to go, it is safe to say that he is on the right track.
Hardy’s motivation stems from a deep desire to support his family, particularly his mother, Adrianne Broomfield.
“I grew up with mostly my mom raising four children: three boys and one girl,” Hardy said.
“Watching her struggle to get us to practice, put food on the table and work hard broke her back. She did everything she could, and that motivated me to make sure she never works again.”
For Hardy, his mother is more than just an inspiration; she’s his driving force.
“She’s a tough woman who went through more than anyone can imagine, and no matter what, she made sure that everything was right,” he said.
Hardy’s commitment to his family is evident both on and off the field.
“Hardy is really family-oriented. He’s always talking to his twin sister in the hotel the day before the game,” ULM running back Charlie Norman said. “You can tell his ‘why’ for football is his family.”
That strong connection has driven Hardy to deliver several standout performances on the field this season. Recalling his favorite moment of the season, Hardy reminisced on the second touchdown of his college career.
“It was a live and fun experience,” he said. “It felt unreal; it was something I dreamed of.”
Hardy also discussed the mental toughness he has built since starting college football.
“I’ve learned that I can’t let fans distract me and that I have to be calm and play the game the same way I have been playing it,” Hardy said.
But there’s more to Hardy than just football. Off the field, he’s focused on enhancing his life both spiritually and academically.
“My goals off the field are to get closer to God [and increase my faith] and stay ahead in all my classes,” he said.
When he’s not studying or playing, Hardy embraces his love for the outdoors.
“I mainly like to ride gaited horses and go fishing,” he added.
Hardy is also a lover of the arts. He added that he enjoys drawing and watching rap battles. This creative side complements his light-hearted energy, which his teammates have come to appreciate.
“Ahmad is the young buck in the facility. He always has a joke up his sleeve to make us laugh, but when it’s time to work, he locks in and listens to key pointers from coaches and teammates,” Norman said.
Though Hardy’s success in football is impressive, his dreams go beyond the sport. After college, Hardy hopes to either make it to the NFL or pursue a career as a veterinarian. With his strong determination, Hardy is ready to tackle any future challenges.