Illinois extends offer to 2024 Edge Rusher, son of Illinois football legend

Camden Hardy got an offer from Illinois on Friday. If you’ve heard that last name before, it’s because he’s the son of former Illinois star Kevin Hardy.

Kevin played in Champaign during the mid-90s, finishing his career with the 9th-most tackles and 4th-most sacks in Fighting Illini history. Kevin also took home the Dick Butkus Award following his senior season. He then played in the NFL from 1996-2004 after college.

Kevin Hardy watched his son impress at yesterday’s #illini camp https://t.co/ia2vPR1Vl7 pic.twitter.com/N65QtFCEkz

— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) June 17, 2022

Camden is an edge rusher that isn’t ranked yet per the 247Sports Composite. Wake Forest, Central Michigan, and UMass Amherst has also had interest in Camden. He is already 6-foot-3, 210 pounds.

Here is Camden’s post about his offer from Illinois:

I-L-L‼️ After a great conversation with @BretBielema, I’m blessed to receive an offer from my Mom and Dad’s alma mater, the University of Illinois!! 🔶🔷 @CoachKaneIllini @CoachEmbleton @IlliniFootball #GoIllini #famILLy @CoachMike_AC@Khard5one@AC_StingraysFB@JWerner247 pic.twitter.com/GX1Nn2V0Gn

— Camden Hardy (@CamdenHardy9) June 17, 2022

Illinois doesn’t have any commitments from the class of 2024 yet, which is understandable. However, if Camden is anything like his dad then he could be a big-time player.

Here are some highlights from Camden’s sophomore year: