2027 Summer Scouting Report: Rolijah Hardy, LB, Indiana

[ASFN Admin]

Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans.

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Film​

• Penn State
• UCLA
• Ohio State

Background Info​

• Listed at 5-11/229 lbs.
• -Star recruit according to 247 Sports
• Transferred from Navy
• Won a state title in high school
• Injured in high school
• Lettered in basketball and track and field in high school
• First-Team All-State in basketball in high school
• Sister played basketball at Army, brother plays football at Navy
• Second-Team All-Big Ten in 2025

Notable career stats heading into 2026​

• 124 tackles
• 29.5 combined tackles for a loss and sacks
• Generated 4 turnovers

Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026​

• 91.3 Career PFF Run Defense Grade
• 45 Career PFF Coverage Grade
• 12 Hurries
• Missed tackle rate of 6.2%
• 61 Stops

Strengths​

• Plays aggressively and with a chip on his shoulder
• You can tell he can man the middle of the field
• Excellent pass rush ability
• Can surprise you in pass coverage with his movement ability
• I really enjoy his speed and range in which he plays

Player Summary​

Elijah Hardy is the linebacker version of D’Angelo Ponds for the Indiana Hoosiers in 2026. If he were three inches taller, he might be a first-round prospect for me. I am sure measurements will not be kind to him, but his film is undeniable. Hardy show cases explsoiveness off the snap, he can rush the passer, and he can surprise you with his movement skills in coverage. He isn’t great at anything, but the effort when he plays at the linebacker position makes you become an instant fan.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2027 Summer Scouting Report on Indiana LB Rolijah Hardy

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