Justin Hardee, the cornerback for the New York Jets, spent his childhood years on the east side of Cleveland.
After signing with the Saints as a member of their practice squad prior to the 2017 season, this former Illinois wide receiver made the switch to the defensive back position. Hardee has developed into a special teams ace for the club since being promoted to the active roster.
![Justin Hardee](https://mufcarena.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/gettyimages-902331486.webp)
He has appeared in 46 regular season games and over the last three seasons, posting 15 solo tackles, one 77-yard interception return, two passes defended, a team-leading 24 special teams stops over that period, a blocked punt that he recovered for a touchdown, and a ten-yard reception, while also adding two coverage stops in five postseason contests.
In addition, Hardee’s goals for the upcoming campaign include maintaining his status as a strong player on special teams while also making further advancements in his coverage abilities.
Where did Justin Hardee attend college?
Justin Hardee attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and played college football. Justin Hardee played wide receiver for Illinois from 2012 and 2016. As a redshirt senior in 2016, he started every game and was second on the team in receiving yards with 314 and receptions with 25.
In the season-ending game against Northwestern, he set career highs in receptions (9) and receiving yards (125). Justin Hardee was selected for Academic All-Big 10 honors. In 2014, he participated in all 13 games, started eight of them, and recorded 19 receptions for 240 yards.