Leon Hardeman

Leon Hardeman (June 6, 1932 – December 9, 2019) was an American football player.^[1] Hardeman played college football at the halfback position for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team from 1951 to 1953.^[2] At five feet, six inches and 175 pounds, Hardeman was known for his "squat, wiry" running style.^[3]

Leon Hardeman

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – No. 11
Position	Halfback
Class	1954
Personal information
Born:	(1932-06-06)June 6, 1932 Fort Payne, Alabama, U.S.
Died:	December 9, 2019(2019-12-09) (aged 87) Rossville, Georgia, U.S.
Height	5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Weight	175 lb (79 kg)
Career history
College	Georgia Tech (1951–1953)
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-American (1952) Third-team All-American (1953) First-team All-SEC (1952) 2× Second-team All-SEC (1951, 1953)

Career

Hardeman was selected by the All-America Board, the International News Service and the Sporting News as a first-team player on their respective 1952 College Football All-America Teams.^[4] He was chosen by the United Press as a third-team player in 1953.^[5]

Hardeman was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the City of Chattanooga, Baylor School, Georgia Tech and the state of Georgia.

The number 50 jersey was retired at LaFayette High School in his honor.^[6]

References

1. "Obituaries: Leon Hardeman". Chattanoogan.com. December 9, 2019.
2. B.B. Branton (September 14, 2012). "Hardeman, Ga. Tech '52 Team Honored This Weekend". The Chattanoogan.com.
3. Mercer Bailey (November 17, 1952). "Tech Knows How Irreplaceable Squat, Wiry Leon Hardeman Is". The Tuscaloosa News (AP story).
4. ESPN College Football Encyclopedia. ESPN Books. 2005. p. 1228. ISBN 1401337031.
5. "UP Names All-American Gridders". Daily Telegram. Wisc. 1953-11-26.
6. "Hardeman, Ga. Tech '52 Team Honored This Weekend". 14 September 2012. Retrieved 2017-04-21.