I had a chance to speak with one of the newest Buffalo Bills, former Hoosier James Hardy.
Unfortunately the interview took place tonight, and none of his quotes will be in my story tomorrow. But it is 2008, the internet is around, and I can post what Hardy had to say right here on UndertheRock.
So without further adeu, James Hardy on the draft:
On the call letting him know Buffalo was drafting him.
"Definitely a great call, coaches called and asked me how I would feel to be a Buffalo Bill. One of the best feelings ever."
On his meeting with Jauron at the combine and whether he had a hunch he was going to land in Buffalo.
"I had 24 different meetings, so that was just one of 24 and I really didn't know. You didn't know what to think, who really was more interested. I didn't go on a visit there, I went to seven other places, they said that's part of the plan, they always go through things and try to make others believe they don't want you so they can grab you."
On the 1st round with no receivers taken
"I mean, you really didn't know what to think, with all the trades going on, that draft was crazy. To see all them lineman, I've never seen as many lineman go in the first round ever, but I haven't watched the draft like that ever."
"It was a blessing just to have my name called, only God knows where you should be. I just know that I was going to make that city and or team proud that called my name, and that's what I plan to do at Buffalo."
What he thinks his role will be with the team next year
"Right after they drafted me I talked to them on the phone for about 30 minutes, afterwards (Jauron) told me the type of young team they had and told me they wanted me to come in right away and play."
"Seven games last year they had only one offensive td, they said 'We want a scoring machine like you were at Indiana."
"He told me he wanted me to come in and play right away, I'll do whatever I have to do to get adjusted to the pro game."
On what the next step is for Hardy
"I go down there for rookie camp, I leave Thursday and then mini-camp is this weekend."
"With the contract I don't negotiate that, I don't know how that works, but I'm just looking forward to getting to work. The money will be there."
Hardy on where and who he watched the draft with
"It was about 60 (people), my family members, close friends, every coach that I had going up in Fort Wayne, we just rented out a little facility and had a little get together. It was a good gathering, we had four different flat screens, everyone was around each TV until I got that phone call. It was a wonderful feeling to be with the ones that helped me get to this point."
On his and Porter's relationship
"Me and Tracy always had a relationship, my phone was ringing nonstop yesterday, I didn't get a chance to congratulate him," Hardy said. "He's in his home town, it's a great opportunity and hopefully he can step in and play right away."
On any predictions for next year
"Buffalo is already a good team," Hardy said. "They have good young (quarterback) that's ready to compete." "I'm ready to get in that end zone and we're ready to make things happen," Hardy said. "My goal is to win rookie of the year."
That's all I got for you, sorry none of it makes tomorrow's story, but be sure to check it out anyways, as well as Lee Hurwitz's article on Tracy Porter.
