Former Imani Christian receiver RJ Hart transfers from Ball State to Duquesne

After entering the transfer portal earlier this week, former Imani Christian wide receiver RJ Hart announced his transfer from Ball State to Duquesne on Thursday.

New Beginnings ?? pic.twitter.com/eeH1vJN1p7

— Rahmon Hart Jr. (@_rjhart) August 27, 2020

The talented 6-foot-1, 222-pound wide out received interest from a few different schools after entering the transfer portal earlier this week, but he ultimately thought that Duquesne was the best opportunity for him — personally, academically and athletically.

“I’m really excited,” Hart said. “I’m going to be closer to home. A lot more family members will be able to watch me play, and Duquesne also offers a lot academically. I’m hoping for a good experience.”

Earlier this summer, the Mid-American Conference announced the postponement of its fall sports season due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. As a member of the MAC, Ball State lost its fall football season and Hart lost the main reason he decided to attend the school, which led to his transfer.

“Muncie, Indiana just wasn’t for me,” Hart said. “Then covid hit and it just made it that much clearer because there wasn’t football, and that was the only reason I was there. I didn’t really like anything outside of the football part of it. I just wanted to be closer to home with family.”

Although he left Ball State, Hart said he couldn’t be more appreciative of the coaches and how much they helped him through his freshman year and the transfer process.

“They just did a really good job of reaching out to other college coaches and speaking well about me and putting in a good word,” Hart said. “I really appreciate them for doing that and for taking the time to do that.”

During his freshman season at Ball State, Hart only played in one game, didn’t record any statistics and ended up redshirting. He did gain valuable experience on the scout team.

Whenever the team prepared for an opponent with a talented wide receiver, Hart mimicked that receiver in practice throughout the week, which allowed him to compete against Ball State’s starting defense.

Now, Hart is hoping to bring that experience to Duquesne and help the team win.

“I’m just hoping to do my best, reach my full potential and do as much as possible to contribute to the team as much as I can,” Hart said.

Before Hart went to Ball State, he was ranked as a three-star recruit by 247sports and put together an illustrious career between Plum and Imani Christian.

During his final two years of high school as a Saint, Hart caught 125 passes for 2,358 yards and 27 touchdowns. He was named first team all-state as a senior and was also a two-time first-team all-conference selection. He caught 63 passes for 978 yards and 11 touchdowns during his junior year and helped the Saints reach the WPIAL Class A championship game.