Rising senior Jacob Hardy emerged one of ADM football’s key defensive pieces last season, and it wasn’t just his numbers.

Hardy never holds back his emotions, whether it’s on the football field or basketball court, where he was the starting center for the varsity basketball Tigers over the winter. That sort of passion usually translates into production and vice versa, as Hardy lead ADM football in tackles (64.5), tackles for loss (7.5) and sacks (6.5) from his starting defensive end position in 2014.

With both his strong play and passionate outbursts, Hardy established himself as a leader as a junior. Now that Hardy is entering his final varsity football campaign, veteran ADM head coach Mike Whisner said he’s looking for even more out of Hardy in the leadership department.

“It may be leadership by example, but he needs to step up and be a leader with camaraderie at what not with his teammates,” Whisner said. “He’s going to be a senior now, so that will naturally come forward. But he’s always been a good leader by just doing everything he can to make himself successful. The big thing will just be the camaraderie on the field and keeping his teammates going, especially the young guys that possibly look up to him.”

ADM opens the season August 28 at Perry.