During a recent episode of Two Rings One Mic, former Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Mecole Hardman shared a laugh-out-loud story involving himself and fellow Bulldog legend Nick Chubb during a particularly intense fall camp scrimmage. The tale offers a humorous yet vivid glimpse into the grind of college football training and the sheer dominance of Chubb — even in practice settings.
As the Georgia Bulldogs gear up for the 2025 season, veterans and alumni alike are reminiscing about their own grueling camp days. Fall camp in Athens is known for being a physically demanding time. With scorching heat and daily full-contact practices, players often bond through shared struggle — and in some cases, unforgettable moments. Hardman, now an NFL wide receiver, recounted such a moment when he and Chubb collided in a drill that left a lasting impression.
Back in 2016, Hardman was still playing on the defensive side of the ball before transitioning to wide receiver the following year. It was during a practice scrimmage held inside Sanford Stadium that the memorable moment occurred. According to Hardman, coaches were giving strict instructions that day: “We are not hitting Nick Chubb down low,” they said. “You’ve gotta hit Nick up top.” This directive was intended to protect Chubb, who had recently returned from a serious knee injury suffered against Tennessee.
At the time, Nick Chubb was already a revered figure on the team. His explosive power, relentless work ethic, and quiet leadership had made him not only a star running back, but also a respected teammate. Having such a player return from a major injury meant everyone around him had to tread lightly — literally. The coaching staff’s policy to avoid low tackles on Chubb during practice was more than just smart—it was necessary for keeping their star healthy.
But that didn’t stop Chubb from delivering a punishing blow during that scrimmage.
The play was a sweep to the left side of the defense, and somehow, Mecole Hardman found himself in a one-on-one situation with the hulking running back. “I don’t know what was going on,” Hardman recalled, “but it was just me and Nick. And Nick ran me over so hard, I’ve never been run over like that in my life.” The image Hardman painted was both funny and humbling. “I’ve never fallen on my back and seen a dude still running,” he said, laughing.
The anecdote didn’t just elicit chuckles from listeners — it highlighted Nick Chubb’s raw power and relentless motor. Even coming off a brutal injury, Chubb wasn’t just participating in camp; he was bulldozing his way through it.
At the time, Hardman was still adjusting to the college level and the physicality that came with it. Having switched to wide receiver later in his college career, he eventually found his footing and went on to become a second-round NFL Draft pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. Since entering the league, he has made a name for himself as a speedster and playmaker, contributing significantly to Kansas City’s offense and special teams. But despite his professional success, that hit from Chubb remains one of the most vivid memories from his college career.
Nick Chubb, for his part, continued to live up to the hype during his time at Georgia. He bounced back from the knee injury and finished his collegiate career as one of the Bulldogs’ all-time leading rushers. He was eventually drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft and has become one of the premier running backs in the NFL — known for his bruising running style and quiet consistency.
The camaraderie and respect between former teammates like Hardman and Chubb is a testament to the culture built in Athens. These shared memories — even the embarrassing ones — are part of what makes being a Georgia Bulldog so special. Players might dread the exhausting drills of fall camp, but it’s in those moments that legacies are shaped and lifelong friendships are formed.
Now, as the Georgia Bulldogs march toward the 2025 season opener against the Marshall Thundering Herd, stories like Hardman’s serve to connect fans to the program’s storied past. The game is scheduled for Saturday, August 30, with kickoff at 3:30 p.m. and national coverage on ESPN. With a legacy of tough, talented players like Chubb and Hardman as part of the program’s foundation, expectations remain sky-high.
In the fast-paced world of college football, not every moment is about highlight reels or touchdown celebrations. Sometimes, it’s about the behind-the-scenes grind—the unseen collisions and intense scrimmages—that players remember most. And sometimes, it’s about getting flattened by a future NFL Pro Bowler and living to laugh about it years later on a podcast.
As Hardman’s story circulates, fans are reminded of how iron sharpens iron at a place like Georgia. In the world of elite college football, every rep, every hit, and every laughable misstep plays a role in building champions. And if you’re lucky, those moments just might come with a hilarious story to tell later.
