Anybody that has watched DJ Hardiman play for the Grandville Bulldogs the past two seasons will probably be surprised that he is on this list. Standing at 5’11 and a solid 205 pounds, he has been a feature back the last two seasons and was still able to be very productive in the straight T offense. Hardiman is a bruiser type back with very underrated agility and speed. While evaluating his tape, you will see that he doesn’t need a handoff to be effective, he is a more than willing lead blocker and to add to his skill set he was also used as a pass catcher coming out of the backfield. His best performance last season came against the eventual state champion runners up Detroit Cass Tech where he rushed for 160 yards and a TD.

I hope Darrione earns college attention this coming offseason. He may be the #1 running back in the OK Red right now.

No tape from last week just yet, but I heard that Darrione stepped up in a big way against a scrappy Jenison team. Just watch Darrione’s highlights against Cass Tech– he has an excellent combination of speed and power. Able to hit his hole, run straight through tackles, and has the speed to go the distance. Seriously, Darrione’s contact balance is great, and he can be shifty in traffic. I truly believe that he’ll be able to step up as Grandville’s RB1 for the rest of the season.

Year in and year out, Grandville sports some of the best Running Back play in Michigan.

Darrione Hardiman Darrione Hardiman 5'9" | 200 lbs | RB Grandville | 2027 State MI is a north-south runner with solid contact balance, speed, and IQ. Against some great tackling defenses, Darrione is able to consistently run through arm tackles. Plus, he’s sometimes able to sidestep a flat-footed defender or cut into more open space. He even sports an effective stiff-arm.

Not the twitchiest athlete, but a dang effective north-south runner. Some of the best contact balance in the class, unselfish play, and solid athletic traits. I don’t see Darrione as a burner, and speed could be a limiting factor for him. Though with his skillset, it’s hard to not predict a GLIAC floor for Darrione.

I last wrote about Darrione late last year, and, in short, I’m still a fan of his game.

I preach speed and contact balance a ton, and Darrione has both. Running the Wing-T, Darrione primarily takes handoffs between the tackles. He does his job- exploding through his hole, and keeping his legs moving through contact. Darrione’s first highlight showcases excellent explosiveness up the gut, followed by about 25 yards after contact. He’s not the shiftiest RB, but is able to slash his way through the teeth of the defense, commonly sidestepping linebackers.

Great sophomore season, and gearing up for an improved Junior season without a doubt.