Former college coach Mark Hudspeth can’t say enough positive things about Gulf Shores’ senior JR Gardner.

“What an unselfish player,” Hudspeth said. “JR Gardner is what Gulf Shores football thrives on.”

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Gardner has accepted a preferred walk-on to play college football at the University of Alabama. A two-way player at Gulf Shores, Gardner will head to Tuscaloosa as a running back.

“JR is special,” Hudspeth said. “He has that speed you need. He’s a 10.9 100-meter guy. He’s got good speed, good change of direction and really good ball skills. His father was a national champion player at Alabama State, so he’s been around the game for a long time. He’ll be a good addition there.”

Gardner helped the Dolphins to an 11-2 season in 2022 and the school’s first playoff wins since 2009. Hudspeth estimated he played 80 percent of the team’s plays each week as a running back and safety.

“He was so willing to do whatever we asked,” Hudspeth said. “When Ronnie (Royal) came in, we asked him to move to defensive back. He said, ‘Coach, whatever I can do to help.’ Last year, we moved him back to running back and moved Ronnie more to the slot. JR is the ultimate team player.”

Gardner rushed for 931 yards and 19 TDs on 157 carries as a senior and caught 9 passes for 199 yards and a TD. On defense, he made 36 tackles and had an interception.

“I’m extremely excited for him to go play and develop,” Hudspeth said. “I think he has a huge upside. He’s a track guy. He’ll develop nicely in that program.”

Gardner was one of multiple Dolphins honored Wednesday for continuing their career on the next level. Quarterback Brendon Byrd, who transferred in from Spanish Fort last winter, signed with VMI over offers from Nicholls State and Henderson State.

“He’s a kid who can compete early just because of his physical skills,” Hudspeth said of Byrd. “He’s mobile and he fits what they want to do offensively.”

Byrd completed 66 percent of his passes for 1,933 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior. He also rushed for 693 yards and 5 TDs on 103 carries.

“He’s a tough kid,” Hudspeth said. “He’s physical. He’s a leader. I’m just really proud of him. He got better as the season went along and, by midseason, he had a great grasp of the entire offense, and we were able to do so much more with him. He’s another team player. Five years ago, he would have had multiple FBS offers. With today’s lay of the land and the transfer portal, it has set a lot of high school players back, especially at quarterback.”

Other Gulf Shores players honored Wednesday included defensive lineman Brax Duncan (Belhaven), offensive lineman Tyler Schepker (Huntingdon) and wide receiver Nick Carris (Huntingdon).

“This senior class set the bar pretty high for future classes,” Hudspeth said.