Cornerback Justin Gardner Signs With Oregon State

Discovered at a satellite camp in Georgia by Oregon State coaches, Shiloh High School (GA) cornerback Justin Gardner always seemed like a bit of a long-shot to eventually end up playing for the Beavers. However, after a brief recruiting process, the three-star defensive back shockingly pledged his commitment to the Beavers back in late June of 2016. Then, on Wednesday, he made his intentions to continue his football career at Oregon State official, when he signed a Letter of Intent to play for head coach Gary Andersen and the Beavers program next season.

Gardner is one of Oregon State’s two commits from the southeastern part of the United States, along with Florida-based wide receiver, Quantino Allen, which shows a bit of the growing profile of the Beavers program on a national scale. Gardner chose the Beavers over several other offers, including those from the likes of Miami (Ohio), Fresno State and Georgia State.

While Gardner’s commitment is not only unique to Oregon State’s 2017 class due to the fact that he is a non-pipeline based talent, Gardner is also one of just two cornerback recruits (Isaiah Dunn), in the Beavers’ latest recruiting haul. 24/7 Sports rates Gardner as the 187th best player in the state of Georgia, as well as the 184th best cornerback in the country.