Daequan Hardy named Co-Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week

Following Penn State’s dominant 63-0 victory over UMass on Saturday, one player was recognized for his contributions.

Cornerback Daequan Hardy has been named the Co-Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week after his historic performance against the Minutemen.

Iowa’s punter Tory Taylor was the other recipient of the award.

Hardy had two punt return touchdowns, becoming the first player in school history to record multiple punt returns for a touchdown in a single game, along with becoming the second Big Ten Player to achieve this feat since 2000.

On his first career punt return, Hardy had a 56-yard punt return for a touchdown, and he added a 68-yard punt return for a touchdown in the third quarter.

This is his first Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honor of his career and Penn State’s first since last year when Jake Pinegar captured the award.

Alex Rocco is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email alex.rocco1702@gmail.com.