Kansas State Wildcats lose defensive back to transfer portal before spring practice
One of the most veteran defensive players on the Kansas State football team has decided to finish his college career elsewhere.
Justin Gardner, a senior defensive back who had played in 17 games over the past two seasons, announced that he plans to enter his name in the NCAA transfer portal before spring practice gets underway next month.
“I want to thank (K-State football) and the staff for giving me the opportunity to be a Wildcat,” Gardner wrote on social media. “Thankful for all the memories and bonds I created throughout the two seasons. But it’s best that I will be entering the transfer portal as a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility left.”
Gardner exits K-State after making 26 tackles and grabbing a pair of interceptions during his time with the Wildcats. He started five games as a junior in 2020, but then played entirely as a reserve this past season.
He figured to once again help add depth to Chris Klieman’s defense in 2022, but he will now look to contribute elsewhere.
This is not the first time Gardner has switched schools. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, he began his college football career at Oregon State and played in two games for the Beavers before deciding to enroll at Hutchinson Community College as a sophomore.
From there, he earned a scholarship with the Wildcats and moved to the Big 12. Now he is on the move once again.
This story was originally published February 10, 2022 at 9:47 AM with the headline "Kansas State Wildcats lose defensive back to transfer portal before spring practice."