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Jerrick Gibson, On3’s No. 2 running back, discusses his commitment, skillset, Tashard Choice

Joe Cookby:Joe Cook•07/06/23•

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Jerrick Gibson

In the latest On Texas Football, 2024 IMG Academy running back and Texas commit Jerrick Gibson sat down with Bobby Burton and Gerry Hamilton to talk about his recruitment, Longhorns running back coach Tashard Choice, what led him to Texas, and much more.

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Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and running backs coach Tashard Choice put in plenty of effort to earn a commitment from Gibson during his official visit on June 24. Gibson was especially complimentary of Choice, who has landed a top running back from Florida in back-to-back cycles. What led Gibson to give Texas his pledge?

“Just by Coach Choice being a great guy, the development standpoint, and what he’s got to offer to us on the field and off the field,” Gibson said. “I just felt like this was the best decision to make me get to the next level and develop me to my max potential.”

Gibson saw some of the best programs in the nation, including Tennessee, Miami, and Georgia. What made the Texas experience different?

“The coaching staff, that really stood out for me,” Gibson said. “All the coaches were on the same page. They’ve all got one goal, and when I go there I just see the environment and the energy around the place. Once you know, you just know as a recruit. You just get a gut feeling that that’s home, and they did the best in making me feel like I’m home.”

Choice offered feedback to Gibson when he saw him play.

“He described me as Roschon (Johnson), like how Roschon had the dog mentality, how hard he ran the ball, and how he could get shifty at some times,” Gibson said. “He had some hands on him. He described me like him, but said I was a little bit more explosive. He sees me as a better Ro’.”

The SEC move for the Longhorns was a massive plus for Gibson in evaluating Texas.

“I’m not going to lie, I do want to play with the best guys,” Gibson said. “Texas moving to the SEC, I thought that was a big step for me. That was the only edge I had about Texas a little bit. That’s what made Miami and Texas so hard to choose from, but once I knew I just knew. I just want to play with the best guys. That’s why I went to IMG, to play against the best. In order to be the best, you have to play against the best.”

Gibson is teammates with fellow 2024 Longhorn commit Jordon Johnson-Rubell. Both have emerged as team leaders at the elite IMG Academy.

“We keep everybody on track,” Gibson said. “We keep everybody focused on the main goal.”

It’s not without some friendly competition. Gibson and Johnson-Rubell often have to face off on the practice field.

”He’s a great guy,” Gibson said of Johnson-Rubell. “He’s a good trash-talker, too. For us as running backs, cornerbacks are one of our archenemies. No matter how much you bang them up, they’re always going to have something to say. He’s a great guy. He’s a great teammate to have. He’s flying around the ball. He’ll put hands on you. Very physical for the position he plays.”

Gibson, an early-enrollee, described his running style.

“I think I run like Dalvin Cook, to be honest,” he said. “Saquon Barkley, that’s my favorite running back right now in the league. But overall? That’s Marshawn Lynch, that’s my favorite running back.”

What are Gibson’s strengths?

”Most definitely my hands,” he said. “Trying to get more explosive. I can work on everything because I’m not at my max potential yet. There’s a little bit of everything I can work on to get to my max potential. Just polish up some things I’ve got, and I’ll be good.”

He would add, “I think I’m very explosive. One cut. Get vertical. Get upfield. Score that ball.”

When it came time to make a decision, was it a hard choice to pick the Longhorns over the Gators, Volunteers, Hurricanes, and Bulldogs?

”For me, it wasn’t that difficult because I had my family right alongside me,” Gibson said. “They walked with me every step of the way. I didn’t let the recruitment and the fame get in my way. I kept a level head and just remembered what makes my decision.”

Gibson’s parents had a great relationship with Choice.

”Everything he says, he keeps it real,” Gibson said. “The love he gives to you, you can tell it’s genuine. You can tell it’s not just because it’s recruiting and all that. You can tell he’s a great guy in everything that he does. He’s going to look out for his guys regardless. Right or wrong, he’s going to be behind you. That was a big part of my decision.”

In addition to Choice, the rest of the Longhorn coaches did their part to show Gibson that Austin was the place for him.

”I’ve just seen a lot of guys buying in to rebuild the Texas program,” Gibson said. “I see a lot of guys on the same road. They’re there for the same reasons, and trying to get these kids to the next level. Not only do they want to win games, they also are looking out for these kids to get them to the NFL.”

What did fellow Floridians, CJ Baxter and Payton Kirkland, tell Gibson?

“Don’t think you’re going to come here and not work,” Gibson said.

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Gibson is excited to begin his career on the 40 Acres.

“They say everything is bigger in Texas,” Gibson said. “I think that was a great move for me on the football field and outside of football. Texas speaks for itself.”

Gibson is ranked as the No. 47 overall prospect, the No. 2 running back, and the No. 7 prospect in Florida in the On3 Industry Ranking.

On3 ranks Gibson as the No. 43 overall prospect, the No. 2 running back, and the No. 6 prospect in Texas.

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