Former Humboldt State running back Ja’Quan Gardner is making quite an impression with his new team.

Gardner rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday as pro football returned to San Diego, leading the Fleet to a 24-12 win over the Atlanta Legends in the newly formed Alliance of American Football league.

It was the home team’s first win in franchise history.

Gardner’s video highlights from Sunday’s win …

Gardner, who last played at HSU in 2017 and is the school’s all-time leading rusher, ran in for scores from eight and seven yards out.

Through two weeks, the former Lumberjack is tied for the league lead in rushing yards with 159.

Gardner, who is starting in the backfield for Mike Martz’s team, also impressed in the season opener a week ago, in a loss at San Antonio.

Sunday’s game was broadcast live on the NFL Network and was the first pro football game in the city since the Chargers left for Los Angeles two years ago.

###

Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.