Ahmad Hardy Set for Missouri Return After Shooting Incident
All-American running back Ahmad Hardy is expected to play for Missouri against Arkansas, just months after being shot.
Less than six months after being shot at a concert, Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy is expected to return to the field for the Tigers' game against Arkansas on Saturday. Hardy is anticipated to receive a few carries but will not start, according to reports.
Hardy rejoined practice this week after recovering from injuries sustained in the shooting incident in May. Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz had previously expressed uncertainty about Hardy's return timeline, stating on Monday that it was unclear if he would be back for the Arkansas game, the Texas game, or a potential bowl game.
The running back was shot in the upper leg in Laurel, Mississippi, and underwent surgery before returning to Columbia, Missouri, three days later. Last season, Hardy led the Southeastern Conference with 1,649 rushing yards and scored 16 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Conference and All-American honors. He transferred to Missouri last season after beginning his college career at Louisiana-Monroe.
In Hardy's absence, Jamal Roberts has stepped up, becoming one of the SEC's top running backs with 867 yards and eight touchdowns in seven games. Missouri, currently ranked No. 23 in the AP poll with a 5-2 record, still holds College Football Playoff aspirations despite a recent 31-3 loss to Ole Miss. The team faces a challenging remaining schedule that includes games against Texas, Georgia, Kentucky, and Oklahoma.