Hardesty claimed his first-ever award thanks to a career-best effort in HSU’s 45-21 win at in-state rival Arkansas Tech. The senior completed 35-of-53 passes (66.0%) for 521 yards and five touchdowns, led by three unanswered scoring tosses in the first two quarters. The Salina, KS native secured the Reddies’ first offensive honor since 2007 thanks to the fifth-highest passing total in league history. Hardesty also became just the seventh GSC passer to throw for over 500 yards in a game.