Former Tar Heel Hardison Passes Away
April 23, 2018 | Football
By Rick Brewer
Dee Hardison, an All-America defensive tackle at Carolina in 1977, passed away Saturday at UNC Hospitals. The 61-year-old Hardison had been battling heart and kidney problems.
A native of Newton Grove, Hardison was a three-year starter in the Tar Heels' defensive line from 1975 to 1977. He won first-team All-ACC honors in 1976 and 1977. He earned consensus All-America honors as a senior.Â
Hardison was the star of one of the best defenses in Carolina history. The Tar Heels led the ACC in total defense, rushing defense, pass defense and scoring defense in 1977. Carolina topped the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 7.4 points per game. Â Â Â Â
Five defensive players from that unit were first-team All-ACC selections—Hardison, tackle Rod Broadway, end Ken Sheets, linebacker Buddy Curry and safety Alan Caldwell. In a team of stars, Hardison was the standout. He anchored a defensive front that helped the Tar Heels force 41 turnovers.
The veteran defense carried Carolina early in the 1977 season as a young offense developed. The Tar Heels finished 8-2-1 in the regular season and won the ACC championship. But Nebraska took advantage of a knee injury to cornerback Ricky Barden and rallied for a 21-17 win over Carolina in the Liberty Bowl.
Hardison originally came to Chapel Hill as a running back. He was quickly moved to linebacker and then to tackle. He needed to add weight, strength and quickness to play that position.
So in addition to offseason football workouts, he joined the wrestling team. He had never wrestled in the past, but figured it could help improve his agility and quickness.
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The 6-5, 260-pound Hardison was a favorite among kids on Carolina's annual Fans Day. He was an elementary education major and thought he might someday teach elementary school or even kindergarten.
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But first came a 10-year NFL career. Business opportunities followed that.
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Hardison is a member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. After his selection, he regularly attended the Hall of Fame's annual induction ceremonies.
   Â
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Dee Hardison, an All-America defensive tackle at Carolina in 1977, passed away Saturday at UNC Hospitals. The 61-year-old Hardison had been battling heart and kidney problems.
A native of Newton Grove, Hardison was a three-year starter in the Tar Heels' defensive line from 1975 to 1977. He won first-team All-ACC honors in 1976 and 1977. He earned consensus All-America honors as a senior.Â
Hardison was the star of one of the best defenses in Carolina history. The Tar Heels led the ACC in total defense, rushing defense, pass defense and scoring defense in 1977. Carolina topped the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 7.4 points per game. Â Â Â Â
Five defensive players from that unit were first-team All-ACC selections—Hardison, tackle Rod Broadway, end Ken Sheets, linebacker Buddy Curry and safety Alan Caldwell. In a team of stars, Hardison was the standout. He anchored a defensive front that helped the Tar Heels force 41 turnovers.
The veteran defense carried Carolina early in the 1977 season as a young offense developed. The Tar Heels finished 8-2-1 in the regular season and won the ACC championship. But Nebraska took advantage of a knee injury to cornerback Ricky Barden and rallied for a 21-17 win over Carolina in the Liberty Bowl.
Hardison originally came to Chapel Hill as a running back. He was quickly moved to linebacker and then to tackle. He needed to add weight, strength and quickness to play that position.
So in addition to offseason football workouts, he joined the wrestling team. He had never wrestled in the past, but figured it could help improve his agility and quickness.
   Â
The 6-5, 260-pound Hardison was a favorite among kids on Carolina's annual Fans Day. He was an elementary education major and thought he might someday teach elementary school or even kindergarten.
   Â
But first came a 10-year NFL career. Business opportunities followed that.
   Â
Hardison is a member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. After his selection, he regularly attended the Hall of Fame's annual induction ceremonies.
   Â
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
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