Peter Dindinger – NMMI Sports Press
After having a stellar career at Hobbs High School, quarterback Gavin Hardison flew under the radar and did not receive a single offer until he was heavily recruited by New Mexico Military Institute.
Now, a redshirt sophomore at UTEP, he is stepping into the starting role at quarterback.
Hardison was battling for the position alongside redshirt freshman TJ Goodwin, who decided to opt out of the 2020 season.
"I've been preparing for a very long time for this moment," Hardison said. "I'm just trying to take it day by day and be the best I can be and just win games for this program."
Prior to his time at NMMI, Hardison entered the New Mexico Activities Association record book in six different categories.
He still holds the top spot with the most passing yards in a season as he totaled 5,347 yards during his senior year.
Appearing in five games for the Broncos in 2018 as a freshman, he completed 38 of 67 passes for 408 yards and four touchdowns.
His best game came during a 42-35 win over Air Force Prep on Sept. 15 where he threw for 187 yards and two scores while completing 68 percent of his passes.
During the summertime, Hardison was able to sign on with UTEP to further his playing career.
The opportunity to play at NMMI helped set up the current situation that he's in now.
"NMMI gave me the opportunity to continue football at the Division I level, which had always been a dream of mine," he said. "They provided me with a great opportunity. I'll always thank NMMI for what they did for me."
Hardison had the makings of becoming one of the best quarterbacks in the NJCAA after having a solid showing during spring practices.
"He could've played another semester here, but he wanted to get in there," said NMMI head coach Joe Forchtner. "It was hard for us as a team but that was what was best for him. He earned that right.
"I think being over there and being in that system for a year really paid dividends for him. Now the opportunity is there for him and he took it. I'm super excited for him."
NMMI's annual 7-on-7 summer camp ultimately led to the heavy recruitment of Hardison.
Hardison credits Forchtner for being a big time influencer on his life.
"He's a really good person. He helps you to try to be a better person off the field," he said. "I have a lot of respect for coach Fort and I really want to thank him for taking a chance on me coming out of high school and providing me the opportunity to be where I am right now."
Not only did NMMI serve as a springboard for Hardison from an athletics standpoint, it also helped him mentally by making him a stronger individual.
"It just really raised my maturity level. My parents had always taught me to be respectful," he said. "As far as that goes, it really wasn't a big change for me.
"Being off on your own and trying to figure it out and doing all the military stuff and staying disciplined helped me to be mature and grow in my life."
While getting a chance to redshirt at UTEP, Hardison made his debut for the Miners at UAB on Nov. 16 as he completed 16 of 37 passes for 222 yards.
Despite losing 37-10, Hardison threw his first touchdown which came on an eight-yard pass just before halftime.
He made one more appearance during the season finale against Rice where he amassed 113 passing yards.
UTEP competes in Conference USA, which is one of six conferences that will be playing football this coming fall.
The Miners are scheduled to begin the season Sept. 5 hosting Stephen F. Austin.
"It's a blessing really to be at a program that's playing this fall. Not a lot of people are getting that opportunity," Hardison said. "It's exciting but at the same time I'm just trying to prepare and have my team win games and do whatever it takes and whatever's asked of me."