Reggie Gardner is a defensive lineman for Eastern Michigan who hails from Southfield, Michigan, where he attended Southfield A&T. At the high school level, Gardner was a four-year starter and team captain who recorded 52 tackles and 18 sacks heading into the state finals. As a senior, he helped lead the Warriors to a 13-1 record and forced the throw resulting in the game-clinching interception in a 36-32 victory over Belleville in the MHSAA Division 1 state championship game. He earned All-OAA White honors, Team Defensive MVP, and the Iron Man Award. In 2024, Gardner practiced with the Eagles but did not appear in games. During the 2025 season, he played in three contests and tallied four tackles, including two solo stops.