Hardy adds WVU to Cincinnati

Pickerington (Ohio) Central class of 2011 safety Eilar Hardy is off to a fast start- on the football field, and in recruiting.

The 6-foot-0, 170 pound safety picked up his second written offer Thursday, from West Virginia. Cincinnati offered in writing last week, and the Maryland Terrapins have Hardy a verbal offer last May.

"West Virginia has been recruiting me since last year," Hardy said. "I know some of the coaches, they have been sending me letters since the first this month. The West Virginia staff talked to my coach (Jay Sharrett) earlier this week and told him they wanted me to come see a game. My coach told them jokingly that I would not visit there until they made an official offer. They faxed in the offer today."

"I know they are a good program, and a good school that has accomplished a lot on the football field the last few years. I have some friends who have visited there that say it is a good place. They liked their stadium, told me the facilities are nice. I am going to go a game there soon."

Hardy's skills are no secret.

"Cincinnati offered last week," Hardy said. "I have been getting mail from Pittsburgh, Kansas, Louisville, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State."

"There is a lot I like about Cincinnati. I have been up there twice, I saw the campus, facilities, and the stadium It is just nice. I have met the coaches too. Pickerington Central has sent some players there in the past. It is a nice, I love it."

Hardy's team played in the Horseshoe in the Kirk Herbstreit Classic, defeating Orange Lutheran (Calif.) 28-14. Central is now 3-0 on the year and will take on Lancaster Friday night.

"Playing there, it was the best game I ever played in. The crowd and the atmosphere were awesome. It was pretty sweet."

One week later, Hardy visited the Shoe again for the Ohio State-Navy game.

"It was nice, I loved it," Hardy said.

"I hope to visit Maryland sometime soon, West Virginia in the next couple of weeks, and I am going to go to Cincinnati sometime this year too."

Hardy said he does not have any favorites at this time.

"I am going to approach this with an open mind. I am just trying to find the best fit for me and where I feel most comfortable."