Antuan Gardner Antuan Gardner 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB Niles McKinley | 2024 State OH is a name more college coaches need to be talking about and offering. After finishing a storied high school career where he left a lasting impression on his program and area, Gardner holds one Division I offer to Maine. An explosive player that can be the motor for his offense, Gardner is everything you want in a college running back. His vision and speed is elite as a gifted athlete who is a natural runner. His stride is compact and explosive to turn plays that other backs might get chunk yardage out of into scoring plays. He is a slippery back that can find his way through traffic and tacklers to get up field. Is able to break tackles in a number of ways including his elusiveness, but shows great strength to overpower defenders to keep moving. Good footwork to maintain balance. Is as big of a scoring threat beyond midfield as he is in the red zone. Adjusts well on the run to change direction with his speed. Gardner is a Division I back with more than enough abilities to make an impact in his college career. Earning high honors as All-Ohio first team in Division IV, his career more than speaks for his game with accomplishments across each year of his high school tenure.

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12698569/6531ba49664bdb0ab4b1de52

Antuan Gardner Antuan Gardner 6'0" | 205 lbs | RB Niles McKinley | 2024 State OH has established himself as one of the most dominant running backs in the state of Ohio for his ability to make defenders miss. Gardner has been developing his game over the past few seasons to become one of the most complete backs you will see. Has as good of balance in his running stride you will see out of a playmaker which allows him to break through arm tackles with relative ease while maintaining form. Has quick feet to keep his balance when contact is brought upon him, naturally gifted athlete in that regard. Keeps his hips low on cuts with an explosive lower body to launch himself towards open space. Slippery on runs between the tackles, does not need much daylight to create a running lane for himself. He is a hard target to bring down with mobility and strength in his arsenal to keep the play going. Effective in the passing game, acts as another receiver with routes that take him out of the backfield. Gardner has amassed nearly 1,200 yards through seven weeks of the season and showing no signs of slowing down. He is one of the best in the state at running the ball with good size that more college coaches should be watching.

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12698569/65147833e984f1141cb012d2

In 2022, Antuan’s very good play was a bright spot in the 2-8 season of the Niles McKinley Red Dragons. He displays very good vision as he finds the open hole and cutback lane. Gets through the hole quickly before accelerating to top speed. He uses his very good play speed to outrun all defenders and score on a long touchdown run. Elite mental toughness enables him to play through injury during the season. He is a reliable receiver in the passing game as he shows good hands and makes the catch. After the catch is made, he uses his athleticism to easily pick up a first down.