One to Watch Interview with 2020 California CB Micah Gardner

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Every year, and at every high school across the country, underclassmen earn the chance to get varsity snaps laying a foundation of great potential left up to the player to fulfill. During the 2017 season at North Torrance High School, sophomore cornerback and slotback Micah Gardner was doing just that – laying the foundation. The Saxons posted an 8-3 record with their budding talent cultivating his craft along the way.

Exact stats for the Saxons’ team have not been released, but one can tell from watching Gardner’s reel, progress was made. Gardner plucked two passes out of the air and earned one start at slot. Where the 2017 season pays off for Gardner, and all for all underclassmen vying to take their talents to the next level, is with their off-season workouts. The 5-10, 145 pound, Los Angeles area product is putting time in on the field and in the weight room, working his trade with Premium 7v7, and has gotten an early start to the camp and combine season showing out at the Rise and Fire Camp in LA.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the young talent after his performance at the Rise and Fire Camp to learn more about his sophomore campaign, off-season workouts, and transfer from North Torrance to Carson High School.

Interview

Micah, how did your sophomore season go overall?

“It was a pretty good season. I feel like starting the whole season at corner, I got a lot of experience. That will help me out going forward. I got used to the speed of the game quickly and kept working to get better.”

Where all did you line up on the field last year?

“Corner, a little bit at receiver in the beginning of the season, and on all the special teams.”

What do you feel are the overall strengths of your game as a defensive back?

“I’ve been told that I am really fluid in my movements, which helps me get in and out of breaks quickly. As a player, I am a coachable kid. I don’t have problems with instructions. Tell me once and it will be done. I feel like I am good at noticing and recognizing offenses – knowing which routes they will run based on the formations. As I have gotten better at recognizing plays, that has slowed down the game. I can see what is coming before the snap.”

Which areas of your game grew the most as a defender last year?

“At North, we ran a lot of zone coverage. I worked on trusting my back pedal and every part of playing off man improved this last season.”

You got some snaps in at receiver too, will we see you playing more on offense next year?

“We’ll have to see about that one. I would love to play both ways. I am up to taking reps at receiver this off-season just in case.”

You made a move in the offseason from North Torrance to Carson, how has the transfer gone so far?

“The transfer process has gone well. I am getting to see my new coach in action. I really like seeing his motor. He knows how to coach. He knows how to do his job. He wants to see people succeed. He pushes you to be your best. I saw all of that in one conditioning session.”

Which areas of your game are you working on this offseason?

“I’ve been working on improving my overall athleticism. I am working on my speed and cover skills.”

Are you playing 7v7 ball again this spring?

“Yes, sir. I am playing for Premium.”

How is 7v7 ball helping you improve your game?

“Playing 7v7 with Premium this offseason, they are helping me with my reps. Playing 7v7 helps my football IQ and helps me read coverages.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I am receiving a few emails, but nothing real serious yet. I’m working my butt off to change all of that.”

What was your GPA last semester?

“I had a 3.5.”

Nice. What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math.”

I just saw you at the Rise and Fire Camp, how did that go for you?

“It went really well. I did really well during the one-on-one and 7-on-7 sections. Not only was that part good, but the things I took away from the training session was great. We worked on different coverages and I worked on being fluid. We worked on our stances and our techniques. It was a really good camp.”

Are there any other camps and combines you may attend this spring or summer?

“I’m going to a lot of college camps, but I do plan on attending a USC and a UCLA camp.”

What are your offseason goals?

“I planned my offseason goals before the end of sophomore season. I know what I want to do – get faster, put on some weight, and I want to go to college camps and perform well. Playing with Premium, I want to take advantage of being around those great coaches. I want to gain knowledge and work against the top athletes in my age group. I also want to stay on my grades, that is my top priority. I’m not allowed out of the house without the right grades.”

Micah, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Micah Gardner at the Rise and Fire Camp LA