Top-100 running back Jerrick Gibson explains how NIL factors into decision

Jerrick Gibson believes there is one misconception about his recruiting process: The only thing he is prioritizing is NIL.

Speaking with On3 recently, the four-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class wanted to put an end to any rumors about him chasing a bag. He’s one of top available running backs remaining as June comes to a close. Gibson has made official visits to Georgia and Miami, and he’s closing the month out with a trip to Texas this weekend.

What he isn’t looking for in these schools is a lucrative financial package. Instead the focus is on playing time, he said.

“I most definitely think some players just go after the bag,” Gibson said. “But I feel like a personal misconception is that I go after the bag. I don’t go off the bag. I go off playing time. Money is going to come when you produce.”

A college decision does not appear to be imminent. While Texas has emerged as a favorite in the last few months, he is not going to rush the process. A native of Gainesville, Florida is another school on his list. He made a visit to the Swamp in the spring, despite decommitting from the Gators in February.

Previously one of the top youth football stars in the country, he rushed for 608 yards and eight scores in 2022 at IMG Academy. He has listened to enough NIL and recruiting pitches to know when schools are giving him the run around.

“You got to pick out what’s real and fake in your recruiting process,” Gibson said. “You’ve got to go with your heart. Us as players, we’re still connected with players. We can tell. If they tell us something, we can turnaround and ask the players, ‘Is this true?’” 

NIL has become another factor for high school prospects to consider in the recruiting process. Some coaches have described it as free agency, with some top recruits going to the highest bidder. Others have said it’s just another box in the check list next to facilities and coaching staffs.

Five-Star Plus+ defensive back KJ Bolden recently told On3 his value is in $700K to $600K range. Anything over a million is a lie. Gibson wants a program that will prepare him for the NFL, while giving him the chance to compete immediately. As a high school athlete in the state of Florida, he is not able to sign any endorsement contracts yet. He isn’t worried about adding representation at the moment.

“I really don’t even entertain an agent right now,” the running back said. “I’m still in high school, I’m still balling. I don’t really get into that stuff. I just want to play football right now. Just enjoy these high school years because as I go on, that’s when everything’s going to start becoming a business.”

Jerrick Gibson knows producing helps NIL value

The priority for now is to figure out where he wants to commit. Multiple On3 recruiting experts have casted picks for him to land at Texas, with the Longhorns currently holding a 93.1% chance to land the running back, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

Gibson is starting to about earning endorsement money at the college level. He said that he is already piecing together a brand, so there isn’t an adjustment period when he can start to sign NIL agreements. The tailback has nearly 20,000 social media followers and a $159,000 On3 NIL Valuation.

Chasing the bag is not driving his decision, but wherever he does go has to be ready to build his platform. The running back knows opportunities will follow if he delivers on the field.

“I kind of think of it as the money’s going to come if you’re a baller,” Jerrick Gibson said. “Anywhere I go, I’m looking to play, produce and get out of there in three years. All these endorsers want someone who is balling in college. Nothing is guaranteed in NIL.”