The exclamation point is appropriate because the former Nebraska offensive tackle feels on top of the world. He should feel immensely excited and proud because Saturday, when he received his diploma from NU, he became the first person in his family — on either side — to graduate from college.
Truth is, Hardrick, who completed his college playing eligibility in 2011, could inspire a lot of people in this world, particularly those from difficult backgrounds.
"I didn't know when it was going to happen, but I knew it was going to happen, man," he said Monday as he worked out in Lincoln for an upcoming training camp with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL.