By W.A. Myatt
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Justin Hardy has gone from walk-on to All-Conference USA in just two seasons in the East Carolina football program. He has the hands and athleticism not only to make great catches, but he can also get yards after the reception with his speed and moves.

Hardy had 88 grabs for 1,105 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2012 after a freshman season in which he had 64 receptions for 658 yards and six scores. He also averaged 8.8 yards per punt return last season.

The junior from Vanceboro is majoring in sports studies and has made ECU's Honor Roll twice for a 3.0 or better grade point average. He enjoys basketball and music when he isn't wowing Pirate Nation.

Justin took time to talk after practice on Friday.

Q: Favorite Restaurant in Greenville?

A: I have a lot. I like to eat so there's a variety. I'd have to go with Cheddar's though.

Q: What is the best movie you've seen with the team on a Friday night?

A: Kevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain.

Q: What are your expectations for this season?

A: For the team to go undefeated, win the conference, go to a great bowl game and win that, too.

Q: How did you improve yourself this offseason?

A: I got in the weight room and hit the weights hard. I got bigger, stronger, faster and worked on the little things my coaches told me I needed to work on.

Q: Who has impacted you the most in your life?

A: My family. They've been behind me every step of the way — they keep me going.

Q: How did not receiving any FBS scholarships out of high school impact your work ethic?

A: It made it even better, it put a chip on my shoulder. I have things still to prove.

Q: Do you have any superstitions or rituals you do before each game?

A: I like to do the same thing every week before a game. If I do something one week, I'm going to do it the next week.

Q: What's your favorite memory in Dowdy-Ficklen so far?

A: The overtime victory against Marshall last year.

Q: What do you do when you aren't playing football?

A: Relax, chill with friends and teammates, watch some TV and play some games here and there.

Q: What is one thing most people don't know about you?

A: I'm a slight comedian. It's mostly dry humor — I'll tell jokes here and there that nobody really knows... undercover jokes.

Q: How do you balance school and football?

A: You have to set a schedule and make time for school and time for football. Then you just have to stick to that schedule.

Q: How would you describe your relationship with Ruffin McNeill?

A: Coach Ruff is a great guy. Our relationship is really good.

Q: If you could put any team in the country on the schedule for this year, who would it be?

A: You put anybody on the schedule, we're going to come out and play, so it really doesn't matter.

Q: How do you deal with the high expectations fans and media have placed on you this year?

A: I really don't listen to the outside noise. We control what we can control. We come into practice every week and try to win every game.

Q: What is your favorite thing about East Carolina?

A: The atmosphere. Fifty thousand fans every game — it's real great.