3.8/4 GPA, 6’2, 205, notable Lacrosse participant, recognized in the post-season for numerous accolades. 85 total tackles, six of which were TFLs. The Haverford School loves to get mixy with their defensive fronts. This makes complete sense considering they can station a variety of prospects who can play a variety of positions. The tougher disguises they can deploy from a personnel front the better, having Top 100 linebacker Kellen Gardner Kellen Gardner 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB The Haverford School | 2025 State PA helps the cause. Is a serious mismatch in terms of strength against the majority of tightends positioned in front of him, especially when Gardner is closer to the LOS at OLB out of a 3-4. One of the best open-field tacklers I’ve found throughout the entire group, I feel like I say this with each passing year, it’s his calling card. Tough for me to decide where I like Gardner more, as the second inside man in a 3-4 that can follow his lead backer and clean up as a scraping ILB, or as a potential pass-rushing, edge-setting OLB who plays closer to the LOS. For Haverford, the decision is easy, deploy him at both and confuse the hell out of OL/TE attempting to key defenders on the move. One of my favorite players.

Possibly saving the best for last. Kellen Garnder currently ranks as a top-ten linebacker in his class, huge praise from myself. Kellen would easily place as a top-ten tight end to boot. Gardner has put obvious emphasis on making sure his body is right. A versatile build suitable for tackling, blocking, and athleticism, Garnder stands at 6’2, 195 pounds. Outstanding overall production at LB.

83 tackles, 8 sacks, 13 TFls. You can see the majority of these sacks and TFLs on his Sophomore tape.

I’ve dived into Gardner’s tape before. I’m interested in how he elevates his game as a soon-to-be junior.

Incredible closing speed to the BC. Can align at any LB spot, can win shading outside of tackles. Violent tone-setter. Can play on the LOS or off in a more traditional LB stance. His pursuit to the ball is damn near elite. FBS grade, arguably the best underclassmen Haverford has to offer. One of the better open-field 1v1 tackles if seen at this age.

We begin another new additions piece with a 6’2, 195-pound linebacker prospect out of the Haverford School. Kellen Gardner Kellen Gardner 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB The Haverford School | 2025 State PA , a special lacrosse defender to boot, registered eight sacks on what we know is a loaded Haverford roster. Any sophomore carving out quality production for himself at this program is worth a deeper look. 13 TFLs, Gardner lives in the backfield. High energy OLB who owns his assignments. Outstanding finishing ability, all thanks to him working hard to get his tackling fundamentals down. Multiple open-field tackles on tape, what’s special is that’s not really his role. Gardner wants to come flying off the edge, either to blow up pulling blockers or setting the edge to kick runs inside to his teammates. That’s only against the run, Gardner is special against the pass too. Great closing speed to the quarterback after his impressive get-off. Gardner impresses with sheer motor and drive alone. Fun tape to watch.