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University of Minnesota Athletics
New Gopher Q&A: Quentin Gardener
7/14/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
The next Golden Gopher freshman featured in GopherSports.com's series of interviews is wide receiver Quentin Gardener of Denton, Texas. Gardener earned a three-star ranking from Rivals.com, Scout.com, and ESPN/Scouts Inc. He was rated the nation's No. 103 receiver by ESPN/Scouts Inc., and the No. 111 wide receiver by Scout.com.
Gardener helped lead John H. Guyer High School to a 13-3 record and an appearance in the Texas Class 5A Division II state title game his senior year. Despite missing five games with an injury, he still managed to record 34 receptions for 535 yards and six touchdowns during his senior season.
GopherSports.com: Why did you choose Minnesota?
Quentin Gardener: Because I'm a city person and because I liked the new coaching staff.
GopherSports.com: How do you like being on campus so far?
Quentin Gardener: I love it. It's really nice. Everybody's respectful. It's a nice, clean place.
GopherSports.com: What is your favorite thing about TCF Bank Stadium?
Quentin Gardener: The locker room.
GopherSports.com: You played some defense as well as wide receiver in high school. How did you like playing both sides of the ball?
Quentin Gardener: It just gave me an opportunity to show my talent, that I can go both ways. It was fun to get to do that. I loved it.
GopherSports.com: You missed some games due to injury last year, but do you feel like you were able to gain some positives through fighting back from a tough situation?
Quentin Gardener: Yes. It was hard to miss those games because it was my senior year, but it just made me want to work harder.
GopherSports.com: What are some of your favorite memories from your team's run to the state title game?
Quentin Gardener: Being together with my truly best friends. Most of the guys on our team had been together since fourth grade. I wouldn't want to trade that for anything. If there was a different group of guys that were better (at football), I wouldn't choose them because those are like my brothers. I think that's my best memory, playing with them.
GopherSports.com: When did you know that you could play Division I football?
Quentin Gardener: I would say probably my junior year. Really, my freshman year, but when I became really good, it was my junior year.
GopherSports.com: Your high school team had a lot of Division I players, correct?
Quentin Gardener: Yes. Thirteen.
GopherSports.com: What was it like playing with so many other talented players?
Quentin Gardener: It really was a privilege. Not many high school teams have that many D-I players. It makes the competition in practice more competitive and it made me ready on the field when it came to game time.
GopherSports.com: What are your goals for your freshman season?
Quentin Gardener: Just work hard--in everything I do, go 110 percent and stand out.
GopherSports.com: What are your long-term goals for your career as a Gopher?
Quentin Gardener: Graduate with maybe a business degree or sports management and just try to go to the NFL.
GopherSports.com: If you didn't play football, what sport would you play?
Quentin Gardener: Basketball. I played my freshman and sophomore years and my senior year, but I stopped playing because I didn't want to risk getting hurt for football.
GopherSports.com: What are some of your hobbies outside of sports?
Quentin Gardener: Playing video games, shoe shopping and hat shopping.
GopherSports.com: Do you have any favorite sports movies?
Quentin Gardener: Friday Night Lights.
GopherSports.com: What are some of your favorite foods or restaurants?
Quentin Gardener: My favorite food is chicken. My favorite restaurant is Chili's.
-Interview by Justine Buerkle, Athletic Communications Student Assistant
