Central Valley High School grad/Humboldt State senior Ja'Quan Gardner added to his already-impressive resume on Dec. 6 by being named to the American Football Coaches Association All-America Second Team.

"I might be getting recognized individually," Gardner said. "But it was a team effort."

Ja'Quan led the Great Northwest Athletic Conference in rushing during the 2017 season while lifting the Lumberjacks to an 8-2 overall record.

"It's a great way to cap an outstanding career," head coach Rob Smith said. "He not only leaves Humboldt as the top running back to play here, but he also leaves as the top running back to play in the GNAC. He is very deserving of this award."

Ja'Quan, the Lumberjacks' all-time leading rusher, gained 1,259 yards and scored 19 touchdowns on 203 carries this year.

Gardner became the GNAC's all-time leader in career touchdowns scored (75), points scored (450), all-purpose yards (6,979), all-purpose yards per game (170.2), rushing attempts (878), rushing yards (5,426) and rushing touchdowns (70).

He set GNAC single-game marks with 446 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns, and tied another league record with five rushing TDs during Humboldt State's 52-49 Homecoming win over Azusa Pacific.

Ja'Quan's performance earned him GNAC Offensive Player of the Week honors for a record-tying ninth time.

Gardner was named a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, the NCAA Divison-II College Football Player of the Year Award, on Nov. 29

He was selected to the D2 Conference Commissioners Association All-Region First Time on Dec. 1.

Ja'Quan was voted GNAC Offensive Player of the Year for the second time in four seasons on Nov. 15.

Gardner also earned preseason All-America honors from D2Football.com and Lindy's.

"The recognition and awards are great," Ja'Quan said. "But just being able to play the game is a blessing. Not everybody gets this opportunity."