NEW ORLEANS — One of Georgia’s fastest players is back up to speed physically and mentally with the Sugar Bowl quickly approaching.

Junior receiver Mecole Hardman has hopes of producing some game-breaking plays against Texas at 8:45 p.m. next Tuesday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

“It’s been fun, man, bowl practices are more fun than the regular season,” Hardman said following Friday’s practice. “Good, fast and physical, just how we always practice.”

Hardman is about as fast as they come in college football. The 5-foot-11, 183-pounder  proved that with his 20.1-yard punt return average and 16 yards per catch this season.

A second-team All-SEC pick, Hardman has yet to decide if he will return for his senior season.

But Hardman does have it in his mind that a return to Athens would mean a shot at winning a national championship.

“We’ve been there one time, we should have been there this year,” Hardman said. “I think we’ve made our statement that we’re going to be around for minute.

“Recruiting classes are good, we’re bringing in great talent to help us, so we’re definitely going to be around for  minute to win that that national championship.”

Georgia football WR Mecole Hardman

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