Harding gets high rating from Reinebold, could be CFL-bound

Scott Harding made quite an impression on Jeff Reinebold, the former University of Hawaii assistant who is now special teams coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL. Harding worked out for him , as a receiver and punter, while Reinebold was visiting this week.

“I’ve had the opportunity to see some great punters, Reinebold said. “What he does is uncanny, to be able to kick with both feet and on the run. His accuracy with the ball and ability to do what he wants with the ball, NFL guys can’t do that.”

Harding said he had “a really good workout.”

“The first question is what (position) is he? He’s an athlete,” Reinebold said.”That’s what you come away with. Not the biggest guy, not the fastest. But combine everything and it’s interesting. The more you can do, the longer you can stay (in pro football). If he was in a offense that was throw-first he could’ve been a 60-catch receiver.

“He tracks the ball really well and has good hands. Doesn’t have the long speed, but there’s enough things he can do.”

Reinebold said CFL rosters carry 41 active players, so “its important to have guys who can do more than one thing. NFL guys who play one down a series can’t play in our league. We need guys with multiple skills.”

Reinebold said he turned in a “very high recommendation” for Hamilton to invite Harding to its three-day rookie camp that starts May 29.

Harding turns 29 next month (he played Australian Rules Football before enrolling at UH), but while that may have hurt his chances with an NFL team, Reinebold said it might be an advantage for him in the CFL.

Hamilton had one player handling place-kicking and punts last year, Reinebold said.