As of Monday, Jacob Gardner is not only one of the top players in the Mountain West, but also nationally recognized.
The starting center for Colorado State was named a first-team All-American by Action Network, adding to a list of honors for the fifth-year senior who has started every game in his college career.
Gardner anchored an offensive line that tied for fourth nationally in fewest sacks allowed (just 10 on the season, averaging 0.83 per game) and helped improve the rushing attack by 1.3 yards per carry and 77.6 yards per game—seventh most improved in the country. He was also the team’s only first-team All-Mountain West selection.
Pro Football Focus graded Gardner as one of just two centers in the nation to exceed a 90 percent rating in pass-blocking and had the highest overall rating (run and pass) among centers at 88.6 percent. He didn’t allow a sack all season.
Gardner began his career with coach Jay Norvell at Nevada, where he started every game, initially at left tackle. He has now started 57 consecutive games, with one more to go in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl against Miami (Ohio) on Dec. 28 in Tucson, Ariz.
Gardner was one of four Mountain West players named to the first team by Action Network, joining Boise State’s Heisman finalist running back Ashton Jeanty, San Jose State wideout Nick Nash (a Biletnikoff Award finalist), and UNLV special teams standout Ricky White III.
Leave a Reply