Get to Know 210: Jaylen Gardner
Many times when attending games as a fan you have some level of expectation or knowledge of the game and the teams that are competing. The greatest thing is leaving with the experience had, memories of moments and new knowledge of the teams and what the future could be from what you observed. If you took in any of the Cornerstone Warriors games this past season then you surely know the future is bright with the emergence of young Class of 2023 Wide Receiver Jaylen Gardner.
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My first glimpse at the 6 foot 3 and 190 pound receiving talent was against Texas high school power house Corpus Christi Calallen. He immediately made his presence felt with a 60 yard Touchdown to open the season for the Warriors. The catch was contested as he was hit on the catch and then broke a tackle and burned out for 40 yards after the catch with defenders chasing him. I immediately took notice, as anyone would have! Plays like this helped assist in the Cornerstone Warriors going 9-1 on the season. I was able to get some time with Jaylen and he’s definitely a player to get to know.
“My biggest inspiration has got to be my Dad. He’s been there since day 1 and the way he pushes me, has me to where I am now, from little league until high school.” Jaylen made the statement clear. He’s not your typical teenager. When asked what players he studies and learns from ? “Calvin Johnson, the playing style he has is similar to mine. Also, I would have to say my route running from my cousin Greg Jennings.” Yes , the former NFL Great Packers Wide Receiver. Not only having a great self awareness for his personal Improvements in which he stated “ I can always get better at catching the ball so I will always work on that and sharpening up my routes.” Jaylen enjoys what he says he brings extra to the table for the Warriors and that’s “Blocking! Blocking downfield to help my guy get into the EndZone.”
The more you speak with Jaylen you definitely get the sense that he’s a clear thinker and always soaking up knowledge of the game and direction from his coaches and Implementing their directions immediately. But when he’s not focused on football he is a multi sport athlete and plays basketball and runs track as well. Both attributes jump out at you immediately within a few plays of his hudl film. “Football is my first love! I do like basketball though.”
During this past season Jaylen had the luxury of a D1 Arkansas Quarterback Commit Lucas Coley at the helm to help him develop. “Lucas was great! We worked out during the summer to get ready for this season. Whenever he needed a receiver I was there at his trainings with Yale Vannoy and it definitely paid off.” Constantly working during this time of year you will catch Jaylen running with Coach Straughter III and DEFCON TEXAS in the 7on7 football circuit.
Leading by example and being a leader is very important to the young receiver who relishes in the responsibility of stepping up to that task for the Cornerstone Warriors. “Im always looking forward to being a leader and being the man for the team. We had a few close games and I had to figure out a way to keep my position group focused and ready for each of us to do our job, the game versus Round Rock comes to mind.” That game specifically Jaylen ended up making the game winning catch to stun the Austin area playoff squad.
Jaylen Finished out his sophomore year with 20 receptions 418 yards and 8Touchdowns for the Cornerstone Warriors. He currently holds 1 Offer the home town program UTSA who highly covets the young receiver. Upon receiving the Offer from the Roadrunners Jaylen selfadmittedly was “Speechless.” Well, there will be plenty words said about this young man and his progress moving forward. He is Jaylen Gardner from Cornerstone Christian Academy in San Antonio ,Tx and he’s a player you should “Get to Know”.
Jaylen Gardner is not currently ranked in the Rivals system.
FORUMS: UTSA Boulevard | Roadrunner Way