ESPN Names Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner, Ivan Pace Jr. Among Greatest Players During CFP Era

Cincinnati is the only Group of Five team to make the final four in its first rendition over the last decade.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Mar 5, 2024 9:38 AM EST

In this story:

CINCINNATI — ESPN released their top college football players during the playoff era (since 2014) and Cincinnati's Sauce Gardner made the list as a first-team cornerback, along with an honorable mention for Ivan Pace Jr.

Gardner did not allow a touchdown catch across his storied UC career.

"A three-star recruit, Gardner landed at Cincinnati, and though he played as a true freshman -- hauling in three INTs -- it wasn't until his sophomore season that he garnered genuine national acclaim," David Hale wrote. "That year (2020), he finished with three picks, six PBUs, and 28 tackles, allowing just 13 completions on the season as the Bearcats earned a New Year's Six bowl bid.

"Then, as a junior, Gardner went from burgeoning star to all-timer. He held opponents to just 26% completions. He allowed just 60 yards receiving on the year. He picked off three passes again, but mostly, opposing quarterbacks stayed away from his side of the field. Receivers caught just eight balls against him all season when he was the primary defender. His work helped Cincinnati become one of the most dominant defenses in the country and, in the process, earn the first playoff invite of any team outside the Power 5. Perhaps the most impressive stat for Gardner: In three years as a starting corner, he never allowed a touchdown."

Gardner and Pace have cemented themselves as two of the best players to ever suit up on UC's defense. Both are thriving in the NFL as well.

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