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| Photo courtesy of Lamar University Athletics Media Relation Department |
To be eligible for the academic all-conference team, players must be at least a sophomore academically, spent one full season at the institution prior to nomination, be a starter or significant reserve and played in at least 50 percent of the team’s games. Garner was one of only 24 athletes named to the postseason squad.
A two-year starter on the defensive line, Garner overcame injuries to record 27 tackles, including 11 solo stops in 2019. He was also credited with seven tackles for losses and 3.5 sacks. After suffering an injury in the second game of the season, Garner returned to the field three weeks later – earlier than expected – and his return coincided with the Cardinals transformation on the field.
After Garner’s return, the Cardinals did not lose another regular-season game as they advanced to the NCAA FCS Playoffs for the first time in program history. Despite his missed time on the field, Garner still managed to earn honorable mention All-Southland Conference honors.
Garner was the model of consistency over the course of his four seasons with the Cardinals. He played in 41 games earning 22 starts. He ended his career with 127 total tackles, including 46 unassisted stops. He was also credited with 15.5 tackles for nearly 100 yards in losses and seven sacks for 60 yards in losses. He will go down as one of the school’s all-time leaders in blocked kicks recording five during his career.
During his senior campaign, Garner saved his best for last recording a season-high seven tackles in the NCAA FCS Playoff game against Northern Iowa. He also recorded a TFL and a quarterback hurry against the Panthers.
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