Originally appeared on Vype.com.
The Boogie is back in Conroe.
Alief Taylor assistant coach Cedric Hardeman brings his football pedigree and college coaching Rolodex to the Tiger Den as the new head coach at Conroe.
Hardeman has served as the defensive coordinator and special teams and recruiting coordinator for the Lions over the past seven years.
“Being from Houston, everyone has heard about the history of Conroe football,” Hardeman said. “But during the interview process, the legends made here are amazing. We want to bring it back.”
His father Don Hardeman played for the Houston Oilers and his son Cedric was a DI signee a few years back to Oklahoma State. The new coach played his college ball at the University of Houston back in the day.
“There is great potential around here along with resources and a fan base,” he said. “I’ve seen what dynasties look like playing against Katy, Manvel and the North Shore’s while at Alief Taylor over the years. We are going to change the perception here.”
Hardeman’s college coaching contacts run deep. He has developed and helped dozens of stars from Alief Taylor live out their DI dreams with his ability to develop relationships on the college level.
“Sure it’s an added benefit I bring,” he said. “But we have to build this thing from the bottom up and get these athletes winning games. The recruiting will come.”
Hardeman brings a progressive approach, which is much-needed at Conroe. He understands marketing, the power of social media and the importance of 7-on-7.
“The social media aspect is powerful,” he said. “It’s the perception of you and your program. If you don’t understand it or utilize it, you will be behind. Same with 7-on-7. It’s great for getting more eyes on your kids and developing them as well.”
As far as the football field goes, Hardeman will bring a mix of what he’s learned over the decades of playing and coaching.
“We are going to see what the talent is like, but the schemes we’ve used at Alief Taylor can be done here. We want to make it exciting to play for Conroe and draw athletes.”
For now, he’s busy building a coaching staff before getting the offseason underway.
“We are ready to start our own tradition,” he said.
