HS/Misc.: Ard prepped at Houston County High School in Georgia, where he was considered a three-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN. He was ranked the No. 61 player at his position by ESPN. Ard was a two-way player at Houston County but joined the Hilltoppers as a linebacker. Offensively as a senior in 2025, Ard had 29 carries for 82 yards and 10 touchdowns, and defensively he had 122 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery, according to his team's MaxPreps account. As a junior, Ard rushed for two touchdowns on two carries, and posted 123 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 12 quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.
