ROD GARDNER
By: Dave-Te' Thomas

#23-ROD GARDNER Clemson University Tigers 6:02.2-216

ANALYSIS
Positives... Smart receiver who uses his size and strength to gain advantage over the defensive backs...Has a very tough, physical aspect to his game, drawing comparisons to former Dallas Cowboys great Michael Irvin, as he compensates for a lack of blazing speed with his outstanding hands and power coming off the line...Quickly recovers and adjusts to the ball in flight...Gets to the off-target passes in stride and shows true aggression going for the ball in traffic...Especially effective on quick slants and hitches, but gains most of his yardage with his leg drive after the catch...Has outstanding flexibility and is a very agile and fluid open field runner...Shades and controls the defender on contact, when called upon for blocking purposes...Also has experience as a defensive back in the dime package.

Negatives... Does not possess blazing speed...Relies more on his power, rather than his juking moves, to gain extra yardage after the catch... Not a game-breaker.

CAREER NOTES
Tough, durable receiver who is a model of consistency, catching at least two passes in his last 28 games...Has 26 starts among the 47 games he's played in for the Tigers...Two-year starter who finished his career with 166 receptions for 2498 yards (15.0 avg) and 13 touchdowns...His 166 catches broke the old school career-record of 162 by Terry Smith (1990-93) while his 2498 yards are topped only by Smith (2681) and Perry Tuttle (2534, 1978-81) in Clemson annals...His 13 scoring grabs rank fifth (tied) in school history.

REMIND ME OF... Former Dallas Cowboy Michael Irvin.

GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL... While he may be the toughest inside receiver of the bunch, some teams just can't get too excited about this kid. Much like Irvin and the Rams' Torry Holt, you don't realize how much damage he causes to defenses until you look at the scoreboard after the game. Someone in their right mind will spot his ability and make him a first rounder. He would look very nice running under Jeff George passes in Washington.

WANT DAVE-TE'S COMPLETE SCOUTING REPORT?
Now, get Dave-Te's indepth scouting report, available for the first time on a CD diskette (Microsoft WORD format). Yes, you can receive Dave-Te's two-to-six page scouting reports on over 500 players eligible for the draft, his indepth position analysis, and ratings for the low price of $25. Interested? Now taking orders for both the pre-draft guide and the post-draft reports. E-mail the "Madman from Brooklyn" at nflscouting@aol.com for more details, but hurry! The draft is just a few short weeks away!