Texas Defensive Back Mike Gardner 'Thankful' For IU Offer

Mike Gardner (21) would add a ton of speed to the IU secondary Image: Jeffery McWhorter, Denton Record-Chronical

Written By Bobby Kunz (@BobbyMKunz)

Indiana is in search for the right safety for their secondary in the 2018 class, and the Hoosiers just offered one from a top school in Texas. Mike Gardner, from Desoto, Texas has picked up an offer.

“I talked to Coach Joseph, the defensive backs coach,” said Gardner. “He's a great guy, very down to earth and very conversational. I'm excited to grow our relationship in the future and to get to learn more about Indiana.”

Gardner, standing 5-11 and weighing 180 pounds, holds 4 offers. Indiana is his first Power 5 offer, one reason why Indiana is the favorite for him now. Gardner also has Nevada, Illinois State and Fresno State.

“I was so thankful and surprised when they called,” Gardner said. “It really came out of the blue, but I couldn't be more excited. Since they offered, they've been keeping in contact a lot. I think I'm gonna visit for a spring practice. I'm ready to see the campus and facilities.”

Gardner isn't just a football player. The defensive back also runs track for his powerhouse school, DeSoto. Gardner is a speedster in the secondary, one trait that sticks out among the rest.

“I'm a versatile player,” Gardner said. “I can cover slot, to outside receivers. I love playing in the box and stepping down. I wanna look for a school that I fit into the right scheme, and talking with Coach Joseph so far I really like the plan. I still need to work on my coverage and strength over the summer, I'm always ready to improve.”