James Gardner, WR, Miami (Ohio) #81

6026, 217, 4.59

Notes: From Fort Lauderdale, FL. Played in 7 games as a true freshman, starting 1, with 3 catches for 72 yards in 2015. Played in 11 games, making 8 starts and caught 45-750-6 (16.7 avg.) in 2016. Appeared in all 12 games, making 9 starts, caught 47-927-11 (19.7 avg.) in 2017. Played in 3 games, missing the final 9 due to injury, finished catching 7-80 in 2018.

Positives: Very good size, strength and production. Great length and competes extremely well in jump-ball situations. Strong, reliable hands. Tracks and adjusts to the ball well. Makes a lot of catches even when apparently well-covered.

Negatives: Average speed and needs work on pass routes. Lacks overall refinement and elite separation quickness. Coming off injury.

Summary: Generally catches everything thrown his way but lacks some suddenness and true deep-threat speed.