Cincy on the Prowl
Fansided

Sauce Gardner becomes highest-drafted player in school history

By Charles Post

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 11: Ahmad Gardner #1 and Ja'von Hicks #3 of the Cincinnati Bearcats celebrate after Gardner made an interception in the second quarter against the Murray State Racers at Nippert Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 11: Ahmad Gardner #1 and Ja'von Hicks #3 of the Cincinnati Bearcats celebrate after Gardner made an interception in the second quarter against the Murray State Racers at Nippert Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets selected former Cincinnati cornerback Sauce Gardner with the 4th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Gardner became the highest-drafted Bearcats player ever and the third first round pick in school history. The Detroit native was the unanimous 2021 American Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Gardner also earned All-AAC honors every year during his illustrious career.

After breaking onto the scene as a freshman with 31 tackles and two interceptions returned for touchdowns, Gardner solidified himself as one of the nation’s best cornerbacks as a sophomore in 2020. He improved each season and finished his career with an astonishing zero touchdowns allowed in coverage and nine interceptions in 33 appearances.

Gardner discussed what motivates him during the Jets introductory press conference on Friday: “I’ve always been at the bottom of the barrel. When I got to college and was the fourth corner on the depth chart. I always stayed true to myself and knew that I’m the best. At the same time, you can’t forget what all you went through. That keeps me going.”

New York also had two other first round selections on Thursday night in Las Vegas and drafted Ohio State wide receiver Garret Wilson and Florida State edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II. The Jets welcome in a trio of talented rookies that highlight an unforgettable day for Gardner and his newest teammates.

“After I got my name called, it was like I was on a roller coaster. My heart dropped. I knew this was the place that I wanted to be and I feel like it was a part of God’s plan,” Gardner later explained in the recent press conference. “I feel like I know what it takes and I’m willing to sacrifice whatever it takes so we can get the ball rolling.”

Prior to Gardner’s landmark selection, quarterback Greg Cook was the highest-drafted Bearcats product. The Cincinnati Bengals took Cook with the 5th overall pick in 1969. There have also been nine former Cincinnati players drafted in the second round including Alec Pierce and Bryan Cook this year.