This afternoon the Black Knights officially added their 3rd (Matt Gemma, Javeon Miller & Jaxon Hammond) Rivals 3-Star defensive prospect to the 2023 recruiting class, as Eric Gardner extended his verbal pledge to the coaching staff.
The 6-foot-1, 243-pounder out of Wyncote (PA) Archbishop Wood High School, selected Army over the likes of Penn State, Syracuse, West Virginia, Northwestern and Temple, which made up his Top Six.
Now that Gardner is committed to Army, he has lofty goals for his career at West Point.
“I plan on graduating in 4-years with a major in engineering, contributing to the football program as much as I can win a lot of games and grow a bond with every person I interact with around campus,” he declared.
When it comes to what the defender brings to the table, it is simple. He plays really really hard and so when it comes to fit, Gardner’s football temperament is a perfect match for DC Nate Woody’s 3-4 defense.
Actually, Gardner’s verbal commitment came back on August 15th.
“I committed to Coach (John) Loose and he was very excited and stunned,” said the defensive end. “I was texting him to see if he was available to call but he called me while I was texting him and we were just talking about the season and how everything going at my school and do we plan on winning a state championship.”
“Previous conversations we just talked about how West Point is bigger than football, a brotherhood and a great path to success.”
In addition to Loose, Gardner indicated that he also conversed with Head Coach Jeff Monken.
“Yes, he (Monken) gave me a call that same night and told me how excited he was to have me on board and ready to get to work,” shared Gardner, who went on to discuss what separated the Black Knights from his other offers.
“They are the school who showed me the most love and really just life after football. I know that with or without it I will be able to provide for my family and my uncle was in the Army, so they were big influences on me deciding on West Point also.”
It has yet to be determined in Gardner will be entering the academy as a direct admit or via the prep school, but either way, the student-athlete who holds a 3.8 GPA is excited and relieved regarding his college decision.
“It feels very good honestly,” he stated. “I can just focus on enjoying this last season with my brothers and just soak it all in.”
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