Interview: 3-Star 2019 Mater Dei WR Cam Gardner Updates Season and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The depth of gridiron talent at Mater Dei High School is an embarrassment of riches. The defending national champs are off to another great 3-0 start on the field, 2-1 after a forced forfeit over an ineligible international transfer. The Monarchs’ offense continues to roll averaging 44 points per game even with a lot of new faces dotting the roster. One of the new faces making a return to Mater Dei’s roster providing incredible depth is Class of 2019 receiver Cam Gardner.

After one season with Orange Lutheran, Gardner returned to the Mater Dei squad with the goal to help his teammates win consecutive California state and national titles. During the 2017 season, the 5-11, 170-pound, target hauled in 43 passes for 431 yards with one score teaming with four-star quarterback Ryan Hilinski (South Carolina). After playing with five-star quarterback JT Daniels, Gardner has yet another future USC Trojan slinging the pigskin his way, Bryce Young.

With the No. 3 nationally ranked Monarchs set to play St. Mary’s this week and a looming showdown against No. 1 IMG Academy (FL) set for Sept. 21, I caught up with Gardner for a quick update on his senior season to date with a recruiting update ahead of his visit to UNLV.

*Click link for May 14, 2018, RNG interview with Cam Gardner

Interview

Cam, the Monarchs have started the season out with a 3-0 record on the field putting up a lot of points. What all is working well within the offense allowing for the big production against some very talented squads?

“We’re starting to gel and come together as a unit. We are throwing the ball well and also running the ball well to make our offense tough to game plan for.”

To prepare for your senior year, what did you work on throughout the summer?

“Just lifting in the weight room and getting stronger for the season. Also, I ran a lot of routes.”

This is your first season with Mater Dei, what was fall camp like for you overall while learning a new offensive scheme?

“Fall camp was good. It gave me a chance to get good chemistry with my teammates before the season started. The offensive scheme wasn’t anything new to me, I had been there my sophomore year, so I knew what it was like already.”

With three games under your belt, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game?

“Playing loose and explosive while I’m on the field. As well as my hands.”

Over the summer, did you get a chance to camp at any colleges?

“I didn’t visit any colleges this summer, but I went to a couple satellite camps. USC was the big camp for me because I got my first offer there which was exciting.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered?

“I am receiving interest from Cal, Oregon State, Hawaii, and Fresno State.”

You mentioned receiving your first offer from the USC camp, which schools have offered you?

“Cal-Poly, Columbia, and UNLV.”

Do you have any planned visits this fall?

“I am visiting UNLV this weekend (unofficial).”

How are things going for you in the classroom?

“My GPA is a 3.5.”

You guys get St. Mary’s this week, what kind of challenge are you expecting from their defense?

“They are well coached, we’re approaching them like we approach every other defense.”

I think everyone in California is looking forward to Sept. 21 when you guys play IMG Academy, any early thoughts on that one?

“I take it one week at a time.”

What are your goals for the 2018 season?

“My goal is to help the team in any way that I can.”

Cam, thanks for your time today. Good luck against St. Mary’s and on your visit to UNLV.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Cam Gardner at the Nike Opening Regional in Las Vegas.