PARK CITY, Utah -- As far as UND receiver Greg Hardin is concerned, he's ready to play football. He says his 50-or-so UND teammates that remained in Grand Forks this summer are ready to go as well.
"I'm ready for it," said Hardin. "I'm ready for fall camp. I'm pumped."
Hardin -- UND's top playmaker last season -- will be in the media spotlight this week at the Big Sky Summer Football Kickoff -- an event that basically launches the 2013 season for the 13 teams in the league.
Each of the Big Sky teams will have one player and its head coach at the media event, which begins today and wraps up Tuesday morning.
The grab man
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Hardin made a major impact last season, UND's first in the Big Sky -- regarded as one of the top FCS leagues in the country.
He finished with 65 catches for 1,145 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 1,145 receiving yards were the second most in UND single-season history. Only Weston Dressler -- now one of the top players in the Canadian Football League -- ranks ahead of Hardin.
Hardin had a monster game against Montana. He broke Big Sky and UND single-game records with 333 receiving yards against the Grizzlies, and his game-winning touchdown catch with 12 seconds to go gave UND the win.
UND finished its first Big Sky season 3-5 in the league and 5-6 overall. There were learning moments for UND, said Hardin.
"I think we'll be a little more prepared," Hardin said. "Seeing that kind of talent (in the Big Sky) week in and week out, we weren't used to it. I think we'll be a little more accustomed to it this season."
Playoff hungry
Hardin's goal for 2013 is simple.
He wants to help UND reach the FCS playoffs, which will expand this season from 20 to 24 teams.
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UND plays seven of its 11 games at home, but one stretch at the Alerus Center includes consecutive games against South Dakota State, Montana and Montana State. SDSU and Montana State reached the playoffs last season, while Montana -- a perennial FCS power -- had a surprising down year.
"As a senior, you want to be the first class to make the playoffs," said Hardin. "You want something to brag about. We really want to make the playoffs. And once you make the playoffs, anything goes."
Nelson reports on sports. Call him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1268; or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
