Interview: Texas 3-Star 2018 SS Mike Gardner Ready to go Back-to-Back with DeSoto
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The amount of overall talent on DeSoto High School’s roster during the 2016 season was borderline ridiculous. At last count, eleven Class of 2017 players worked their way to scholarships against tough Texas 6A competition. Among the many included offensive linemen Edward Ingram (LSU), Xavier Newman (Baylor) and Hyrin White (Missouri), receivers Laviska Shenault (Colorado), K.D. Nixon (Colorado) and Emmet Perry (Wisconsin), defensive back Isaiah Stewart (Kansas State), and linebacker Kemonte Yow (Army). The Eagles 2018 Class might have the distinction of being equally as talented, especially at the skill position spots. One of the underclassmen leaders ready to step up for a back-to-back Texas state title run is safety Mike Gardner.
DeSoto’s secondary is filled to the brim with next level talent. The Eagles’ secondary is no friend to an opposing quarterback with guys like German Green, Gemon Green, Byron Hanspard (Arkansas), and Gardner roaming the gridiron. Despite all the talent up and down the roster, Gardner made a name for himself during his junior season coming up with 62 tackles, 41 solo, four forced fumbles, three passes broken up, and one interception.
Gardner’s ascension up the site rankings and Division-I recruiting boards is no surprise. During his sophomore season, the 5-11, 190 pound, talent pushed his way onto the field ahead of upperclassmen registering 20 tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a pass defense in just five games. Offers have already rolled in from Indiana, Nevada, Illinois State, and Fresno State with teams like Baylor, Texas State, and Oklahoma State showing interest.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the three-star safety covering his junior season, off-season goals, and recruitment.
Interview
Mike, you were all over the field during the 2016 season making plays. What are some of the things you do well out on the field?
“I’m a versatile. I can go outside or down into the slot and in the box to cover. I never feel any pressure covering a receiver in one-on-one coverage. I like coming downhill to make plays too.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2016?
“I feel like I could have done more, but overall I was pleased with it.”
How will your role change this year compared to last season?
“I will be the strong safety and I might be on punt return this year.”
Winning another state title aside, what are your personal goals for the 2017 football season?
“My goal is to have 60-plus tackles, five interceptions, and at least one pick-six.”
Which game was your best game last season?
“The Abilene game. In the fourth quarter, we were down. I had a big stop on fourth down. That changed the momentum of the game (won 49-45 in third round of the playoffs to advance.)”
What are you working on this off-season to prepare for your senior year?
“I’m working on getting faster, bigger, and gaining more weight.”
What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
“4.47.”
Nice. You mentioned adding weight. What is your weight goal?
“I want to keep at 190-195 in there.”
Are you playing 7-on-7 ball this spring and summer?
“Yes.”
How is 7-on-7 helping your game?
“It helps me seeing routes develop better.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered yet?
“Baylor, Texas State, and Oklahoma State.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“I have been to UTSA (Texas-San Antonio) and I’m going to Oklahoma State on the 14th and 15th.”
How did your visit to UTSA go?
“It was nice. It was a good environment.”
What has you excited about the Oklahoma State visit?
“It is in the Big 12. I’m really looking into the school before my visit.”
What camps are you going to this off-season?
“I’m going to the Rivals Three Stripe camp coming up.”
Is there a next level player you like watching play the game?
“Jalen Mills (LSU/Philadelphia Eagles). He shows height (6-0, 196) does not matter. It is all about heart out there.”
What other sports do you participate in for DeSoto?
“I run track.”
Which events?
“The 4×2.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“I took the SAT last week.”
Feeling good about it?
“Yes, sir.”
What do you want to major in when you go to college?
“Political justice.”
When your time comes to commit or sign with a school, what do you want that college to have that will lead you there?
“I want to make sure it is a nice fit, I’ll receive a good education, and it is somewhere I can impact fast.”
Mike, thanks for your time today. Good luck with your upcoming camps and visits.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: scout.com; No. 21 Mike Gardner on the field (2016).
Photo credit: JMG Creative; No. 21 Mike Gardner celebrates a safety (2016).
Photo credit: Dallas Sports News; No. 21 Mike Gardner targets a ball carrier (2016).