Last week the Raiders took a close look at Cal State Fullerton's Pro Day where they took a particular interest in basketball player Andre Hardy who was working out as a tight end. They were impressed by what they saw and have officially signed him to the team.

Hardy played basketball at Cal State Fullerton for the past two years. A native of San Diego, Hardy transferred to Cal State Fullerton after playing two seasons of basketball at Oral Roberts.

The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Hardy had shows impressive physical attributes and athleticism at his pro day. Aside from his 6-5 frame, he has a 79-inch wingspan. He also ran a 4.7-second 40-yard dash.





He did, of course, play football in high school. He is also the son of a former NFL player as his father, Andre Sr, played running back at Weber State and Saint Mary's and was drafted in the fifth round by the Eagles in 1984. He played three seasons in the NFL for the Eagles, Seahawks, and 49ers.

Reggie McKenzie had said he would be adding competition to the tight end corps and Hardy certainly adds that. He is obviously a raw talent but the team clearly sees potential in him. They have now officially joined the NFL trend of basketball players turning tight ends that has been made popular by the likes of Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham.

And they didn't even have to use a draft pick to do it.