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Saints rookie Justin Hardee emerges as a core special teams contributor

Making a position change from offense to defense in the NFL isn't an easy transition.

Outside of adjusting technique, a player has to be mentally tough and willing to absorb the education process.

It is a good thing New Orleans Saints rookie defensive back Justin Hardee comes equipped with two master's degrees -- one in education, one in sports management -- and a bachelor's degree in communications.

And Hardee earned those diplomas in five years while playing wide receiver at the University of Illinois, so the learning process doesn't provide too much of an obstacle.