Hawaii Football: Australian Scott Harding Earns His Wings in American Football

Honolulu, HI—University of Hawaii freshman slot receiver Scott Harding, an American football pioneer back home in Australia, caught the first few passes of his collegiate career Saturday night in Hawaii's 56-14 win over UC Davis.

"Oh, it was so much fun," the former Australian Football League professional said. "My first catch was a good one, I ran a post route and (quarterback Bryant Moniz) put it on my chest. I think I might have got maybe thirty yards or so."

The 25-year-old from Brisbane, Queensland, is not your typical college freshman. Harding played in 50 games with the Brisbane Lions, and Port Adelaide Power, during a six-year professional career before trying his luck with American football. Because Australian rules is a different version of the sport, the NCAA recognized Harding as an amateur and eligible to play collegiately. With the help of ProKick Australia the ambitious Aussie found his way to America to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL.

Playing for Hawaii, Harding became the first Australian rules football player to try his luck on the "Gridiron," as they call it down under, at a position other than punter. In the team's first three games of the season Harding was active on special teams, returning five punts for 18 yards and three kickoffs for 59 yards. Then in the second quarter against UC Davis this past Saturday, Harding entered an American football game for the first time as a receiver.

His first play, Harding caught a 36-yard strike from Moniz, then, on his second snap, snagged another one for five more yards.

"I never doubted I'd get my first catch," Harding said. "I'm confident in my hands and that's one thing that I've got under my sleeve, is catching ability. So I wasn't really nervous at all, I was excited and ready for the catch and it came to me. All the practice helps and running routes with Bryant Moniz. And it was good to get on the same page with him, especially on that first play."

When Harding's night was over, the 5' 11" 195-pound speedster with excellent hands had caught six passes for 67 yards, and returned two punts for 28 yards.

"Pretty unbelievable," offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich said afterward. "An Australian who didn't know what pass interference was a few months ago had six catches in a Division I football game. I think anytime you hear a story like that, that's a tribute to him and his determination to work and understand the game."

When Hawaii's depth chart was announced in late August, Harding was listed as a third-string slot receiver. Since then, Harding has worked hard learning Hawaii's complicated offensive scheme and refining his skills as an American football player—not an easy task for someone who had never played the game before.

"It did take a while to learn the whole playbook," Harding said. "And more, it's this system of the run-and-shoot offense that we play. So I knew it was going to take time. But I spent the time in fall camp and over the last few weeks just kind of getting all the routes; and more so reading the defense and more of the coverages, getting that down pat. And now I'm confident in all the routes and everything I'm playing. So the coaches have got their confidence in me so hopefully I can contribute every week."

Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin was happy with what he saw from his freshman receiver catching passes for the first time.

"Scott's just starting to learn and he did some really good things," McMackin said. "Matter of fact, Australia ESPN's down doing a story on him and he had a good ballgame. He catches everything and he's learning our offense, so he's really coming along. I'm really excited about him."

Harding, humble and speaking in a mild Australian accent, acknowledged that his story of playing professionally in the Australian Football League and then coming to Hawaii to play for a college team was intriguing.

"ESPN Australia was good enough to come out here and do a story on me," he said. "And it was a great game for them to come to because they caught my first catch, and they're going to do a piece on me and it's great. It's more good for the followers back home, that they still get a connection over here with college football in Hawaii.

"For me personally, I'm really happy with myself and proud that I've come a long way. And I'm just happy to contribute to the team, and the team's happy that I've come so far, and I've learned quickly off everyone. And you're right, I'm a freshman, but at the same time I'm a little bit older, I've come from Australian football and I've got a lot to learn... I feel a part of the team now."