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At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Dr. Phillips High offensive lineman David Gardner has been vital to Panther football’s stellar 2024 campaign. Through seven games, he’s recorded 35 pancakes in his efforts to pave paths for the DP running game and protect the quarterback. 
But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that “Big Dave” is more than just a mauler on the football field. A Brown football commit, Gardner also is a member of the Dr. Phillips basketball team, maintains a 4.0 GPA, enjoys volunteering in his free time and always has a message about his faith ready to go — no matter where he is.
Age: 18
Sport: Football
Grade: Senior
School: Dr. Phillips High
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
I feel extremely blessed to be named Athlete of the Week. I’ve been working hard and dominating in the trenches, so this recognition is a great honor.
What do you like the most about football?
I love the physicality of football — especially moving someone out of the way and imposing my will on them. Being in the trenches on the O-line is where I thrive.
What is your goal for the rest of the season — both for yourself and the team?
My goal is to stack more pancakes and continue improving each game under the guidance of my offensive line coach, James Carpenter, who won a Super Bowl in the NFL. As a team, I want to help bring a state championship to Dr. Phillips and finish the year strong.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from football?
Focus on doing my job; and playing with swagger, hunger and confidence. I’ve realized over the past two years that the O-line doesn’t get a lot of attention, but I strive to change that narrative.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Trent Williams. I admire his speed for such a big guy and how he plays with the same swagger and hunger that I do.
What is your favorite football memory?
Beating Olympia in the playoffs last year. It was amazing to see our progression and to shock a lot of people.
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
A sandwich and chips. It’s basic but healthy, and it gives me the energy I need.
What is your go-to pre-game hype song?
“Dreams & Nightmares” by Meek Mill and “Fein” by Travis Scott. The beat drops always get me hyped before a game.
What is your favorite non-sports hobby?
My favorite hobby is volunteering and helping people, especially the homeless. I love giving back to the community.
What is your favorite subject in school?
History. I’ve always been fascinated by it since I was a kid.
If you could have dinner with one person, who would it be and why?
I would want to have dinner with my sister; she passed away a day after her graduation. I’d love to talk to her about all the great things I’ve accomplished.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
I’d go back to the 1990s. It seemed like a cool era with a lot of swag — especially the high-top hairstyles.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self: “Don’t worry, you’ll find your calling. God’s got you.”
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
I’d ask, “How far did we make it?” and, “How many kids do I have?”
Who is your favorite superhero?
Black Panther. He defends his country and honors his family.
Favorite supervillain?
Thanos. He’s big and strong like me, and we both have a desire to conquer.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Time travel. I’d use it to make smart investments and become very rich.
If you could travel to three places, where would you go?
The Bahamas for its clear water and relaxation, Jamaica for the jerk chicken and beaches, and Norway for snow and cozy vibes.
If you could be an animal for a day, which would you be? 
I’d be a lion, because they’re the kings of the jungle and I love their roars.
What is your most controversial food take?
Mustard should be used when cooking fried chicken.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
It depends on your mood. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, go for pineapple. If you want something spicy, go for jalapeños.
 
A native of João Pessoa, Brazil, Sam Albuquerque moved in 1997 to Central Florida as a kid. After earning a communications degree in 2016 from the University of Central Florida, he started his career covering sports as a producer for a local radio station, ESPN 580 Orlando. He went on to earn a master’s degree in editorial journalism from Northwestern University, before moving to South Carolina to cover local sports for the USA Today Network’s Spartanburg Herald-Journal. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his lovely wife, Sarah, newborn son, Noah, and dog named Skulí.

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