We are just a few months away from the XFL’s 2022 draft, reportedly to take place in mid-November. With that in mind, there are plenty of free agents who are hoping to make their way back to the football field next February. Brooklyn Hardiman, a linebacker out of Colorado Mesa State, is looking to make an impact in the XFL come 2023.
Full 2019 Season Highlights
FCS Grad transfer looking for a new home pic.twitter.com/ryMyTe1WOo
— Brooklyn Hardiman (@Hardiman_35) February 17, 2021
Last week, we had the pleasure of catching up with Hardiman – learning about his accomplishments so far, and what the future holds.
High School & College Career
Brooklyn fell in love with football at a young age, and hasn’t looked back since. He had a very successful high school tenure, winning two state championships with De La Salle HS. During his high school years, he was a defensive back, but eventually shifted towards linebacker in later seasons.
After redshirting in 2016, Hardiman transferred to Los Medanos JUCO college. There, he put up some solid numbers, and played more of a “rover” position. In his two years at Los Medanos, Hardiman posted 130 tackles, four interceptions, and 1.5 sacks.
Hardiman moved to Northern Arizona University for his junior year, and played quite well. Brooklyn racked up 69 tackles, and 1.5 sacks in his 2019 season with NAU. They put him in more of a traditional linebacker role, and he excelled – proving his ability to be versatile, playing different positions at a high level.
(Q1 | 7:10) NAU 0 – MSU 3
Carson Taylor teams up with Brooklyn Hardiman to send the Bears for a loss of four#NAUStrong ⚒️🌲🏈 #BigSkyFB pic.twitter.com/EvhJxqyBjL
— NAU Football (@NAU_Football) August 30, 2019
After COVID ruined the 2020 season, Hardiman ended up at Colorado Mesa State. Things went well there, as he transitioned back into a rover position. Brooklyn finished his senior year with 44 tackles, and a sack at Colorado.
Professional Career
It hasn’t been the easiest road for Hardiman since exiting college. He’s seen a couple of CFL opportunities come and go – and most recently, dealt with the MLFB’s disappointing collapse before the season’s opener in early August.
However, Brooklyn now has the opportunity to pursue a career in the XFL, if all goes well. After attending the showcase in Arizona earlier this summer, he has officially received an invite to the XFL’s draft pool. With the draft quickly approaching, Hardiman is a name to keep an eye on heading into 2023.
Full Interview
What are your main takeaways from this interview? Which XFL team would you want to see Brooklyn Hardiman play for? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!