Darren Gardenhire, Safety
Height: 6-1
Weight: 200
Rankings: 48 3* Scout / 42 3* Rivals / 54 3* 247
Offer sheet: Boise State, Fresno State, Utah, Washington State
Gardenhire was initially a San Jose State verbal, and then a Washington State commit, but once Chris Petersen and UW offered it didn't take him long to switch, calling Washington his dream school. He is cousins with Dwayne Washington, so he already knew the program well.
Gardenhire was something of a late bloomer, garnering lower FBS offers until his senior year, when he blew up a bit. He has the versatility to play anywhere in the secondary, but will probably get an initial look at the safety position. He is also pretty good with the ball in his hands, and it isn't outside of the realm of possibility that we see him returning kicks or punts at some point in his career.
Junior highlights