Mecole Hardman Jr. Commits to Georgia: No. 1 ATH Can Make Instant Impact

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and his staff scored a huge victory when 5-star athlete Mecole Hardman Jr. announced his commitment to the Bulldogs.

The 5'10", 169-pounder rates as the nation’s top athlete and the No. 2 prospect from the Peach State in the 2016 cycle. 

The Bulldogs were able to fend off powers such as Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State and Tennessee for his pledge.

Now that Hardman is headed to Athens, what can Bulldogs fans expect from the dynamic playmaker? 

That depends partly on where Smart and his staff decide to play the U.S. Army All-American—who could play either receiver or corner at the next level.

As Kipp Adams of Dawgs247 noted, Hardman admitted he’s leaning toward playing defense in college, but he didn’t completely rule out playing both ways.

"Probably corner," Hardman told Adams when discussing his position preference. "I think long-term DB, but I would also like to try offense and get the ball in my hands."

At corner, Hardman is a sticky cover man who is athletic enough to cover smaller, speedy targets and physical enough to match up with bigger pass-catchers.

He proved his effectiveness in the secondary with a strong showing at The Opening in helping lead Team Lunar Beast to the seven-on-seven tournament championship.

"[Position] doesn't matter," Hardman said to Bleacher Report in Oregon. "I can do whatever you want me to do. If it's defense, I'm going to lock you down. If it's receiver, I will produce and make big plays. Different schools like me at different positions."

As illustrated by Ourlads, Georgia will lose leading receiver Malcolm Mitchell. But, the Bulldogs return several contributors from last year’s squad at receiver and corner.

Still, Hardman’s versatility is something that can help him find the field sooner than later in Athens. 

Hardman is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball on offense, which he showed last fall during his senior year at Elbert County High School in Elberton, Georgia. 

He’s even a candidate to return kicks or punts on special teams.

Given Hardman’s current preference toward defense and Smart’s background with coaching defensive backs and as someone who lined up in the secondary during his playing career, the new Bulldogs head coach is the perfect coach to help develop a player with Hardman’s immense talents.

Regardless of where he lines up, Hardman’s arrival in Athens is one that could prove to pay immediate dividends in the upcoming season.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani