Texas running back Jerrick Gibson signs with GSE for NIL representation
Jerrick Gibson is well aware that his NIL value is dependent on how he can produce on the field.
The four-star running back prospect told On3 in June at the On3 Elite NIL Series that he knows most brands want to work with athletes who are “ballers.” Now enrolled at Texas, Gibson is starting to put in the work in so he can prove his value on the field.
He’s also brought on NIL representation to help market himself. The top-120 prospect in the 2024 class has signed with GSE Worldwide. The marketing agency has an NFL client list that includes Jaylen Waddle, Vonn Bell, DeMarcus Lawrence and Xavien Howard. The firm has branched out into NIL, too, working with Utah quarterback Cam Rising and a growing list of top golfers.
Jerrick Gibson has now signed on, too, working directly with GSE’s executive vice president of marketing, Russ Spielman.
“I kind of think of it as the money’s going to come if you’re a baller,” Gibson previously told On3. “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.”
NIL was not priority in recruitment
The running back committed to the Longhorns in June. Previously a Florida pledge, he picked Texas over Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Miami. The 5-foot-10, 205-pounder rushed for 740 yards and eight touchdowns this past fall at IMG Academy. A Gainesville, Florida, native, he finished as the No. 7 overall running back in the 2024 class.
He joins a deep running back room that includes Cedric Baxter, Jayden Blue, Savion Red and Tre Wisner. Leading rusher Jonathon Brooks is off to the NFL draft, too. With strong vision and the speed to rip off chunk plays, Gibson will look to get in the mix for carries.
NIL has become a 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.
“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.”
Jerrick Gibson ready to tackle NIL at Texas
The running back has not formally announced an NIL deal yet, but he’s poised to draw the attention of brands. Jerrick Gibson has more than 23,000 social media followers and a $258,000 On3 NIL Valuation, which ranks in the top 300 of college football.
The Texas One Fund is one of the top NIL collectives in the nation and has already started to sign deals with the freshmen class. The preferred Texas collective recently struck a deal with WME Sports. The engagement is designed to expand the organization’s ability to provide NIL deals for all Longhorns athletes by tapping into the agency’s strong brand relationships and industry expertise.
The On3 NIL Valuation is calculated by combining roster value and personal NIL. Roster value is the value an athlete has by being a member of his or her team at his or her school, which factors into the role of NIL collectives. NIL in an athlete’s name, image and likeness and the value it could bring to regional and national brands outside of the scope of NIL collectives.