Matthew Hardin, from Lexington Layfayette High, taking it from the weight room to the field. @Matthewhardih12 @LipperScouting @CoachJaylrby @D1Factory @yetteFootball @minguabeefjerky @1776Bank @HopkinsCentral @_CoachManning @Coach_Lovely @evans02_mike @HLpreps @kyhighs @PrepSpin @MaxPreps

’25 LB growing into a formidable, on-field force

When I look at this prospect, the first thing I notice is he has a good frame for a ’25 kid who is very likely to have more growing and lengthening to do, anatomically. He has impressive strength numbers, particularly in the squat and deadlift, and he loves the game, which is very important to playing it the right way. I believe this kid is going to have a monster, break-out season in ’23.

HB Lyon, Scouting Division, KPGFootball

Lexington, Kentucky has taken a beating when it comes to consideration for being a “football town.” Frederick Douglass, Lexington Catholic, and Lexington Christian have done loads to reverse the perception that Lexington doesn’t play anywhere near the quality of high school football as Kentucky’s other metropolis, Louisville.

The quality of football being played in “the Athens of the West” is steadily improving. There is some fantastic talent in the area.

One of the better linebackers in the city, particularly in the ’25 graduating class, is Lafayette’s Matthew Hardin. Hardin is 6’1,” weighs 180-pounds, and sports a 4.4 GPA. His star is on the rise and his grades make him “inherently recruitable” regardless of the academic reputation of the institution doing the recruiting.

Hardin is a weight room guy. He has his bench press approaching two plates (225), his squat over 405, his power clean around 205, and his deadlift creeping towards four-bills (380). Those are respectable numbers for a kid still in his sophomore year.

Hardin has been vocal about his passion for the game. He published to social media the following: “I love football…I wasn’t the best for a while, and have struggled; but I have overcome the struggles and am playing the best I have ever played,…lifting the most I have ever lifted.”

Really can’t counter that argument or beat that sentiment. Kudos for being self aware. Kudos for working his way up the depth chart and into the Generals’ probable lineup in ’23.

Yessir, Matthew Hardin loves football. HIs willingness to train and his improving play both demonstrate that to be entirely true.

This is Fletcher W. Long, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!

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