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Why Nolensville QB Ryder Galardi made Long Island his college choice




Nolensville QB Ryder Galardi gets a pass off just before taking a hit from a Maplewood defender in 2018.FILE

Nolensville QB Ryder Galardi gets a pass off just before taking a hit from a Maplewood defender in 2018.FILE

Not many Tennessee high school seniors opt to attend college in New York. Even fewer make the move on an athletic scholarship.

Nolensville quarterback Ryder Galardi fits both categories after committing to play football at Long Island University. The three-year starter didn’t get to visit the campus due to COVID-19, but his virtual connection with the Sharks coaching staff stood out from the rest of his FCS offers.

“The coaching staff played a big role in why I chose Long Island,” he said. “As a southern kid going up north, that’s pretty scary. But they made me feel right at home with them. They’re going to push me to reach my highest potential.”

Galardi also received encouragement from a prominent Williamson County football family: the Beathards. Clay Beathard, a former Battle Ground Academy standout and the son of Casey and Susan Beathard, played QB at Long Island in 2019 after transferring from Iowa Western Community College.

Clay was tragically killed in Nashville last December. When the Beathards found out months later that Long Island was recruiting Galardi, they were quick to offer insight on the school.

Nolensville QB Ryder Galardi (11) throws a pass against Page during a jamboree last season.FILE

Nolensville QB Ryder Galardi (11) throws a pass against Page during a jamboree last season.FILE

“Clay was also a southern kid with a big personality and a lot of charisma,” Galardi said. “He thrived very well at Long Island. I feel like I can too after talking with the Beathard family. Talking to them helped ease my mind in making my decision.”

Galardi briefly worked out with Clay’s older brother, C.J. Beathard, another former BGA star who currently serves as a backup QB for the San Francisco 49ers.

“He’s a cool dude and a good role model,” Galardi said of C.J. “I got to see how pros work and how they go about their daily routines and schedules.”

Galardi has thrown for 4,500 career yards, 47 touchdowns and just 17 interceptions with a .737 completion percentage in high school. The Knights are 19-8 with him behind center.

 

 

Nolensville coach Paul Derrick pointed to Galardi’s football IQ and leadership skills as a few of the reasons behind his success.

“He can process a lot of information pre-snap and during the snap with the (run-pass-option) stuff,” Derrick said. “He does a great job seeing the field. His intangibles are what set him apart from other quarterbacks.

“Not only is he a great quarterback, but he’s a natural leader. He leads by example and understands how to play the position.”

Galardi ran for 308 yards and two touchdowns last season, and 247Sports lists him as a dual-threat QB. But that doesn’t mean the 6-foot, 185-pounder scrambles at the first sign of trouble. That impressed the Long Island coaches, according to Galardi.

“They like my pocket presence,” said Galardi, who also credited his Nolensville teammates and assistant coach Greg Childs for his development as a player. “I know it’s not typical for a 6-foot QB to hang in that pocket. Usually if you’re that height, you’re a scrambler.

“For me, there’s nothing like throwing the ball for a first down right as you’re getting hit. Most people think I’m crazy for that.”  

Nolensville is 2-1 heading into Friday’s Region 4-4A game at Lawrence County. Regardless of what lies ahead in college, Galardi is first trying to maximize his senior season.  

“We can’t take it for granted at all,” he said. “Coach Derrick has made sure that none of us do. We have to cherish every moment of it and truly, honestly practice and play like it’s (our) last (chance). In these times, you never know when that could be.”

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