Henderson State University Athletics

Nick Hardesty was an Honorable Mention All-American in 2010 when he was a national finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy – the NCAA Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. A Daktronics First Team All-Region selection that season, Hardesty was named Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Year after leading Henderson to a share of its first GSC title and the first conference title for the program overall since 1985. A four-time GSC Offensive Player of the Week, Hardesty racked up 4007 total yards that year for an average of 368.3 yards per game — the second-most ever in a single-season at HSU. During his two seasons at Henderson State, he threw for 5254 yards and 41 touchdown passes. In 18 career games, Hardesty averaged 291.9 yards passing per contest. He is one of only two players in school history to have thrown for over 4000 yards and 30 or more touchdowns in a single season.