News of the impending signing was first reported on Monday night by Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.
Gardner was among the 33 players who tried out for the team during a May minicamp. The three-year starter at HSU was named the GNAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2015 and 2017. Gardner averaged 1,608 yards and 20 touchdowns in his final three collegiate seasons and led the conference with 1,322 rushing yards on 206 carries with 21 rushing touchdowns as a senior. He also hauled in 20 receptions for 212 yards.
A bulk of Gardner's 1,608-yard average came in 2015 when he led Division II while rushing for 2,266 tards with 25 touchdowns.
The 49ers' top two projected running backs, Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida, will not play on Thursday against the Los Angeles Chargers. McKinnon is recovering from a calf injury while Breida separated his shoulder during the 49ers' exhibition opener against the Dallas Cowboys. Joe Williams is questionable with a rib injury.
James joined the 49ers as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Boise State on May 8, 2017. He spent last season on injured reserve with a knee injury.
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