NAME: Malik Hartford
SCHOOL: Lakota West High School
SPORT(S): Football
GRADUATING YEAR: 2023
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: Committing to Ohio State U.
BIRTHDATE: 3/19/2005
HEIGHT: 6'3"-175 lbs.
PARENTS: Jim & Zainab
BIGGEST INFLUENCE: Parents
FUTURE GOAL: Play in the NFL

Next fall, highly recruited senior safety Malik Hartford will be taking his all-star football play up I-71 to the Ohio State University, but for now the Adidas All-American is concentrating on winning the GMC title and helping lead the Lakota West Firebirds to a run in the state playoffs. He is the No. 3 player in Ohio for the Class of 2023, according to the 247Sports composite rankings, and he was named preseason first-team all-Tri-State Football as a defensive back. He had helped lead the Firebirds to a 5-0 season so far.

His junior season, Malik had 58 tackles (38 solo), two interceptions, one sack and one pick-six TD for the Firebirds. His talents were recognized by being named first-team all-GMC, first-team all-city (Div. I) and first-team all-Southwest Ohio District. He also played on special teams and at times offense for the Firebirds who went 11-2 last season and were conference champs for the second straight year and were regional finalists. He has the talent to make plays sideline to sideline and has been invited to play in the 2023 All-American Bowl January 7, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas.

A good student (4.2 GPA) who is active in community service, Malik's favorite athlete is Tom Brady, favorite entertainer is Robert Downey Jr., favorite book is Lord of the Flies, favorite movie is Training Day and most-like-to-meet is Kam Chancellor. He also played lacrosse for the Firebirds.

COACH'S QUOTE – "One of the best all-around athletes I have ever been around. He combines strength, speed, and smarts into the complete package."
— Tom Boldin, Varsity Football coach