2015 Bowling Green Football Recruiting: LB Ferrod Gardner Commits to Falcons

While the Mid-American Conference world was caught up talking about the news of Bowling Green's recent 4-star quarterback commitment over the weekend, another highly touted prospect quietly committed to the brown and orange as well.

2015 outside linebacker Ferrof Gardner committed to the Falcons' Sunday evening, per Scout. He chose BG over an offer from Wofford, and heavy interest from several Power 5 programs, including Tennessee and Missouri.

The Dayton, Ohio native is listed as 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, and can run a 40-yard-dash in the 4.5 second range, per his profile on 247Sports. Yet he is still currently unranked by the major scouting services despite having a solid junior season in which he racked up 79 tackles this past season for Trotwood-Madison High School.

Gardner has a good first step and initial burst, and isn't afraid to charge the hole in the run game and stuff the ball carrier. He can shed blocks well, and explodes into the backfield and drives through the ball carrier, though he tends to tackle a bit high. With his size, and athleticism Gardner could develop into a nice edge rush specialist in the Falcons' defense.

Gardner seems to be a solid under-the-radar prospect, who will surely get more offers come this fall. His commitment gives BG five for the class of 2015, and he is the second linebacker to commit to the Falcons' defensive-focused early recruiting class.

Check out Gardner's junior highlights, courtesy of Hudl: