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Tennessee CB Rickey Gibson makes donation to high school alma mater using NIL dollars

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz05/15/25NickSchultz_7
Tennessee CB Rickey Gibson
© Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Before he took on a starting role on the Tennessee defense, Rickey Gibson was a standout cornerback in Alabama. He developed into a four-star recruit at Hewitt-Trussville, and he returned to his alma mater this week.

When he did, he also made sure to give back. Gibson donated $5,000 using his NIL dollars, the school announced via social media Wednesday.

Gibson met with the players at Hewitt-Trussville before presenting a commemorative check. A 2023 graduate, he’s now getting ready for his junior season at Tennessee – but is still remembering the program that helped him get there.

“Really great moment today as 2023 Alumnus @RickeyGibson03 donated back to his high school program and shared a great word with our players,” a post from the program read. “Thank you Rickey and we are super proud of you!!

Gibson took on a bigger role on the Tennessee defense in 2024 and put together an impressive year. He recorded 32 tackles, including two tackles for loss, as he became a starter while also adding five pass breakups in the secondary.

After the 2024 season, Gibson said he planned to enter the transfer portal. However, he ultimately chose to stay at Tennessee, providing a big boost to the Tennessee secondary heading into 2025.

Gibson arrived at Tennessee in 2023 as a four-star prospect out of Hewitt-Trussville. He was the No. 322 overall player and No. 35-ranked cornerback from the cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Throughout his two years on Rocky Top, Gibson partnered with The Volunteer Club multiple times through NIL deals. That includes partnerships the Tennessee-focused NIL collective facilitated with The Players’ Lounge and Top Tier Authentics.

With spring practice in the rear-view mirror, Rickey Gibson and the Tennessee defense will look to build on their impressive 2024 season. The Volunteers made a run to the College Football Playoff while ranking second in the SEC in total defense, allowing 293.2 yards on average. They also held opponents to 16.1 points per game – a mark which sat third among SEC teams.

Tennessee will now turn its attention toward summer workouts and eventually training camp as preparations continue for the 2025 season. The Volunteers will kick things off Aug. 30 against Syracuse.