North Texas Head Coach Todd Dodge would like to get some more local players to stay home and play for the Eagles.  He is looking into a wide receiver from Guyer High School, Denton, Texas. Guyer High Head Football Coach John Walsh calls Quentin Gardener, WR, 6-1, 195, 4.5  “college ready.”  According to Walsh, North Texas has not offered but Iowa, Minnesota and Wake Forest have. 

Guyer is a 4-A school which opened their doors in 2004 and played football for four years. After going 1-19 in their first two seasons, they exploded on the football scene two years ago when they went 13-2 and fell one game short of playing in the Texas Championship game. This past season it was a repeat performance. They would have been one of the favorites to return to the playoffs and make another run for the state 4A title but they were nine students ahead of the class cut off so they are moving up to 5A this season. The result is they will be the smallest 5A school in the state.

Gardener has been a big part of the success of the program. “He’s a physical player and is not afraid to go over the middle” has great hands in catching the ball and understands what he needs to do to help his quarterback.  He was the #2 receiver last year where he recorded 43 catches for 547 yards, or 12.7 yards per catch. His longest was 48 yards and he was responsible for six touchdowns. 

In his sophomore year he recorded three catches for 23 yards or 7.7 yards per catch.

“He’s a big time play maker” Walsh stated. He was their go to guy when they needed a play and Gardener delivered. He isn’t afraid of contact or being physical with a defender and with his strength he usually won the battle. 

In this video from prepticket.com, Gardener is shown on one of the plays. You may have to put in your zip code to see the video. PrepTicket.com

While wideout is his normal position he has played safety when injuries or other things dictated. Next year he will become the starting kick-off returner.

In talking about a possible college career, Walsh said “someone is going to get a player.” He explained while most players who move to the college level need to sit out for a year to get stronger and learn the system, Walsh feels Gardener can play as a true freshman. He is physical and strong enough right now to handle anyone trying to jam him at the line of scrimmage.     

“He’s a freak in the weight room” and is already at 315 pounds power snatching, 300 pounds bench pressing and 540 pound on the squat.

The coach stated they have timed in the 40 between 4.4-4.5, so he does have the speed to run passed defenders.

Asked if colleges are recruiting him to play a different position, Walsh said some have talked about him being a defensive back. However, in the end with his speed, size, strength and good hands he is best at wide receiver.

So how does Gardener feel about North Texas?  “He is keeping his options open. He loves Denton and wants to play in front of his family and friends.” He likes the idea of playing in front of the hometown crowd in the new North Texas Stadium.

His GPA is 2.7 and should qualify when he takes the test. 

Coming up North Texas makes offer on big time recruit.