No. 1 ATH Mecole Hardman Jr. Talks Player Ranking, Upcoming Visits

Contrary to popular belief, being the No. 1 athlete in the country isn't something Mecole Hardman Jr. aspired to be.

For Hardman, the objective every time he steps on a football field is to be a better player than he was the day before. Being No. 1 isn't the main priority.

But sometimes, things like that just happen. Consider it an added bonus.

"I'll be honest: I just wanted to get better every day," Hardman said after competing at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl last week in San Antonio. It was a game where the 5-star prospect contributed stats in rushing and receiving, as well as on special teams as a kickoff and punt returner. It also was a game where, because of depth, Hardman didn't take a snap at cornerback, a position he believes he could excel at in college.

"Long term, I think I'll play corner," he said, "but I think I can play corner or receiver easily at the next level. I've been getting extra conditioning after practice and just doing the mental stuff."

It's a testament to the player Hardman has become. He's a 5-star player—one of only two 5-star players classified as "athlete" in the current recruiting cycle (the other being Demetris Robertson)—and the No. 21 player in the 2016 class. Hardman's ability to excel at multiple positions throughout his high school career has made him a very wanted prospect.

How wanted? Hardman has 32 reported offers from coast to coast.

"It's been fun. I'm enjoying it all," Hardman said of his recruitment, which will include two official visits and a final all-star game before national signing day on Feb. 3. "You just have to take your time with everything. You can't rush it."

Hardman is preparing for his first January official visit, a trip to Ohio State this weekend. It was a visit he called "a surprise" earlier this week. The following weekend, Hardman will take an official visit to TCU. That will be his final official visit, as he will be in Arlington, Texas, the weekend of Jan. 29 in preparation for the 2016 International Bowl, featuring Team USA against Canada.

A decision, Hardman said, will take place on national signing day. Whichever school lands him will get a do-it-all athlete who can play multiple skill positions.

For someone who had to split time with a number of athletes at several positions, Hardman put up noticeable numbers at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, particularly in the return game. He averaged 28.5 yards on two punt returns, and he averaged 22.5 yards on two kickoff returns.

As a receiver he caught three passes for 36 yards. He also rushed once for five yards.

"It was great. I had fun the whole week," Hardman said of the experience. "I didn't get a chance to play defense, but other than that, I thought I had a good performance. I had an excellent time with all of the players."

Credit: 247Sports.com

Hardman knows that he's looked at by many athletes as the player to catch in the rankings. The top four players classified as "athletes" were in San Antonio competing, and the ones ranked below Hardman were competing to show they deserved the No. 1 spot.

"When you look at it, it's good to be No. 1, but you don't put all your eggs in the basket with it," Hardman said. "Rankings can change any day. I think I showed it out there, but that's not for me to say.

"I got to play running back, wide receiver, punt return and kick return. I got to show my whole athletic ability and what I can do on the field, but I really try not to pay attention to [the rankings]." 

The next couple of weeks will be big for Hardman, arguably even more for the schools recruiting him. The dead period for recruiting came to an end Thursday, which means college coaches are going to go all-in on the athletes they want.

"

 Top 6 pic.twitter.com/Vu7fmamn3i

— Mecole Hardman Jr. (@iiAm_Mesho) January 1, 2016"

Schools like Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Clemson and Michigan are very much alive in Hardman's process. He announced a top six at the beginning of the year.

Add in the upcoming official visits to Ohio State and TCU, and expect the next couple of weeks to make for entertaining times with Hardman.

And expect Hardman to keep everyone on their toes.

"Right now, I'm just chilling," Hardman said. "I'm not looking for anything specific with any of the schools. I just want to get that gut feeling with a school and have some fun with it all."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports.com's composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles