2026 PFN Player Preview: Owen Gardner-RB/LB-Trinity
Tagged under: District 7, News, Player Previews
Cody Brady | August 8, 2026
Owen Gardner
Trinity
Class Of 2027
RB/LB
Jersey #44
5’10” 210lbs
1205 yards
7.5 yards per carry
13 touchdowns
Other Sports Track and Field
First team all conference RB
Second team all conference LB
Super 7 watchlist
Twitter/X: @Og_Gardner44
Coach Says: Owen is an explosive & physical athlete on both sides of the ball. He produced 1400 yards from scrimmage with 13 TDs last year. He had over 1200 yards rushing his seniors year and led the Hillers in TFLs. Gardner returns with All-Conference honors on both sides of the ball.
Why do you play football?
Whenever I was in second grade I went to watch my older brothers play football. Since that moment I always wanted to be in the best in my family trying to strive to get as good as I can get. In the process of trying to get better I feel in love with the game.
Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?
My favorite sports star is Derrick Henry. He is such a dominant athlete at the running back position it’s hard not to admire his game.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:
My favorite play was this year against Thomas Jefferson. We were coming back from a 22-6 deficit going into halftime, and to ice the game I got a pick 6 with around 2 minutes in the clock. We won 33-22.
What was last years season like for you?
It was my first season as a starter, and I wanted to prove myself. I had a pretty good year with over 1200 yards, and averaged 7.5 yards per carry throughout the season. I also had over 100 yards 8 out of the 11 games we had.
What are your goals for this coming season?
To get over 100 yards every game. Have a higher yards per carry and yards total than last year. Striving for 8 yards per carry, and 1500 rushing yards.
Who is the best player you ever lined up against?
Sophomore year we played aliquippa, and l the hardest to stop was definitely Tikey Hayes.
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?
My favorite game was definitely Thomas Jefferson this year. Going into halftime it was 22-6, and everyone thought the game was over. However, we came out at halftime and just started making plays winning the game 33-22.
Describe what the perfect teammate is
My definition of a perfect teammate is someone who wants the best for the team. They are someone who isn’t selfish, and brings people up when they make mistakes.
Tell everyone why you think football is good for a community
It is a place where everyone can get together from different demographics to watch the football. It brings people closer, and gives them something to talk about it.
Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
Have over 400 rushing yards in a game.
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?
I want to be like my mom. She is such a hard worker, and does everything for everyone. I just want to be someone who can help there family.
What is your favorite practice drill? What is your least favorite practice drill?
Team on Team is definitely my favorite, it is such a competitive period. My least favorite is special team kickoff drill, it is just so high tempo that it’s very tiring.
Preseason Two a Days are:
They are fun. It allows us to see the whole team, and the bonding during that time cannot be created anywhere else.
Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?
My grandma is 100% my biggest fan. She has had multiple surgeries during my high school career, and has yet to miss a game.
When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?
Hanging with my friends is always my go to. If I’m not doing something sports related me and my friends are always going to eat or hanging out.
What is your favorite play to run?
I love our counter game. The linemen are always in the right spot for me to get some yardage.
is a hot dog a sandwich? If not, then why?
No a hootdog is not a sandwich because there is bread on 3 sides of it. While I would consider a sandwich that has bread on the top and bottom with food smushed in the middle.
Music of choice:
Me and my friends listen to nettspend and osma
Best thing you ever got from a teammate? Why?
I don’t really care if they get me anything just them being a friend means more then them getting me stuff.
Music of choice:
Rap
Best thing you ever got from a teammate? Why?
Advice on how to cut the cord, and play as fast as I can.
Best Pizza topping?
I don’t really like pizza, but when I do I just eat pepperoni.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Me and my family always go to Myrtle Beach. It is a nice little spot.
Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?
It was at wash high watching my brothers play.
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