Tony Gibson previews NC State defense, touts depth throughout
Tony Gibson joined NC State’s football program prior to the 2019 season. From there, the Wolfpack coordinator helped build the program’s defense into one of the top units in the country.
He has 28 years of college coaching experience that includes stints in three Power Five conferences. NC State’s 2023 defensive line stands out as one of the top position groups of his career.
“In all my years of coaching in this defense, I think this is the best defense line I have ever had,” Gibson said. “It’s a full unit. We’re deeper than we’ve ever been.”
Davin Vann, C.J. Clark, Savion Jackson and Travali Price all have experience on the field, and the coordinator said that he really likes the leadership of that group as well.
Gibson also shared that he is comfortable with eight members of the defensive line room seeing the field this year, and he specifically shouted out Red Hibbler, Noah Potter, Brandon Cleveland, Nick Campbell and Isaiah Shirley.
“We’ve got a lot of guys right now that we are counting on to play,” Gibson said.
NC State’s depth throughout the secondary has also impressed the coordinator during fall camp. Cornerbacks Aydan White and Shyheim Battle are back to lead that unit, and potential starting safeties Devan Boykin and Jakeen Harris have extensive experience.
Overall, Gibson said the secondary is deeper than it has ever been.
Cecil Powell, who is healthy after recovering from an injury that kept him sidelined for two years, is one defensive back to keep an eye on this fall. Gibson said the redshirt junior nickel back played really well during fall camp.
“Right now, he’s the best I’ve ever seen him… He’s a big part of what we do and how we do it around here,” Gibson said.
Linebacker Payton Wilson is the “heartbeat” of the Wolfpack defense, the coordinator said, but a trio has stepped up in the position room. Devon Betty, Jaylon Scott and Caden Fordham have all taken steps forward, and Gibson feels confident about that group.
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“Those guys have all gotten experience, and it’s their time now,” he said.
NC State’s Thursday night showdown at UConn Aug. 31 will be the first time fans get to see this Wolfpack defense in action. The Huskies named Maine transfer Joe Fagnano their starting quarterback Wednesday, and Gibson said the staff is studying film of all three opposing quarterback options.
Gibson noted the challenges the Connecticut offense could present, specifically mentioning the team’s running game behind an experienced offensive line.
“UConn is a good football team,” Gibson said. “They’ve got a lot of guys back. What they do that’s unique is they get in a lot of condensed formations, lots of movement and motions.”
Gibson added that he thinks the Huskies will use their ground game to pull more NC State defenders into the box before attempting a few deep play-action passes. With that said, he pointed out that the first game of the year is always the hardest to game plan for, so the Pack needs to be prepared for in-game adjustments.
The Wolfpack spent fall camp preparing for the season with a new and unique offensive scheme from coordinator Robert Anae. Gibson liked what he has seen from the other side of the ball during preseason, and he is looking forward to upholding NC State’s defensive standard.
“Obviously, they’re going to score points and do things, and we have to shut people down,” Gibson said. “I’ll know a lot more here in about a week or so.”
