2019 California WR Cam Gardner Talks Washington and USC Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

College football’s recruiting trail is finally starting to catch on to Class of 2019 wide receiver Cam Gardner. The 5-11, 170 pound, sophomore was paired with five-star Class of 2019 quarterback JT Daniels during the 2016 season at Mater Dei hauling in 15 passes for 216 yards with two scores. Now Gardner is at Orange Lutheran ready to take the field with another big armed 2019 quarterback in Ryan Hilinski.

Before the new dynamic duo can show the Trinity League what they are made of, the off-season is allowing time for the rising recruits to do a little bit of their own spring evaluation period. Gardner has interest from schools like Fresno State, Nevada, and several Ivy League schools and took time to visit Washington and USC on consecutive weekends.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Gardner covering his visits to both the Huskies and the Trojans.

Interview

Cam, who went with you on your visit to Washington?

“I went with my dad. We got there on Friday, April 7.”

What all did you do during your visit?

“During the visit we toured the campus, dorms, field and the training facilities. We also got to check out practice. It was high tempo, a lot of energy. I loved it.”

What was your overall impression of the campus and facilities?

“From a school standpoint, the campus was beautiful. The buildings gave me that east coast feel by the way they were built. The student union was amazing. It was cool to see athletes like Sean McGrew and Dante Pettis who formerly played in the Trinity League as well.”

Who showed you guys around?

“I was there for Junior Day so we had some tour guides show us around the campus and football facilities.”

What did the coaches talk about with you?

“I met with Coach (Matt) Lubick (co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach). He is a really good coach. I got to watch him out there at practice. I like his coaching style. When I talked to him, we talked about the visit and upcoming plans with recruiting. I also met with Coach (Tyler) Osborne (asst. WR coach). He’s a great guy. He participates in practice a lot to help the receivers reach their full potential. He’s a super personable guy and I think we have a super strong bond already.”

Did you sit in on any meetings?

“I sat in on a wide receiver meeting with Coach Lubick and he talked about the program a little.”

Did the coaches talk about the recruiting process for you with them going forward?

“I could definitely see myself fitting into their offense. They run a pro-style offense and move their athletes around which I like. They like to get the ball to their athletes quick and let them make plays. We talked about the recruiting process briefly.”

How did the visit go overall?

“One word to describe the visit overall is “goosebumps.” First, I like how they talked about building us for life after football. Everywhere I went, whether it was a classroom or the practice field, I could picture myself being there and it gave me goosebumps.”

Do plan to visit Washington again, if so, when?

“I got invited back up to Washington for their summer camp so I just need an official date set in June.”

Alright, we covered the Washington visit now let’s turn to the USC visit. Who went with you to USC?

“My teammates and I from Orange Lutheran.”

When did you get there?

“On Saturday (April 15).”

What all did you do during your visit?

“First we hung out and then one of the attendants gave us a tour into the meeting rooms. We tried on the jerseys next. Then we met Coach Clay Helton (head coach). After that we sat in on the team meeting. When that was over we went with our individual position meetings, ate, and that was it. It was fun.”

Was that your first time at USC?

“Yes.”

What was your overall impression of the campus and facilities?

“It was amazing. I loved the campus and the facilities were nice. I liked the atmosphere and how Coach Helton runs it all. It was an awesome experience to be there.”

How did USC leave everything with you per recruiting?

“They did not talk to us a whole lot about recruiting since there was a lot of us there. I did not get to touch base with them on that.”

Do you plan to go back to USC anytime soon?

“I want to go back soon. Maybe in the summer to watch some practices but no dates have been made yet.”

Do you have another visit scheduled to other schools?

“I don’t have any other school visits planned yet.”

Have you set any college camp dates?

“I am going to the Stanford camp in June. Washington and Clemson are hosting camps; I would love to attend both of those.”

Any new recruiting interests?

“I have been talking to Brown a little bit more and more Ivy League schools are starting to show interest.”

Cam, congratulations on successful visits to both Washington and USC. Thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Gardner family; Cam Gardner at Washington

Photo credit: Gardner family; Cam Gardner at USC