No. 1-ranked 2024 RB Jerrick Gibson sets return trip to Florida
It’s no secret Florida fans are crossing their fingers in hopes of Jerrick Gibson making another commitment to the Gators..
For those supporting the orange and blue, this weekend is hopefully a step in the right direction, as the IMG Academy standout tells Gators Online he is returning to campus on Saturday for the USF game.
“I’ll be at the game Saturday,” Gibson told GO on Wednesday evening.
Gibson, the No. 1 running back in the class of 2024, verbally committed to the Gators last summer after taking part in Friday Night Lights; however, he ultimately reopened his recruitment following the coaching changes in Gainesville.
The SEC program is obviously still on Gibson’s radar though, especially with him being a native of Gainesville. He had a strong first meeting with Billy Napier’s staff in March and was planning to attend FNL; however, those plans eventually fell through, so Saturday will mark his second UF visit of the year.
“I like the energy up there. It felt more serious, but it was still a fun experience,” Gibson said in March. “I like how they showed me around the campus and showed me what’s going to be built. It was a good experience. I really do like the new coaching staff.”
Since Sept. 1, the 5-foot-10.5, 190-pound junior has also been in direct communication with running backs coach Jabbar Juluke.
“Everyone was genuine and kind. It was a good experience to meet coach Juluke. It was a nice experience and he was real nice,” Gibson added.
“He was just telling me I’m home and this is where I should be. He also said he would develop me as a player. We had a nice talk.”
In addition to UF, the No. 11 player overall possesses offers from Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Notre Dame, USC, Texas, Texas A&M, Oregon, Miami and Tennessee among many others.
Scouting Report on Jerrick Gibson
Highly explosive, twitched up running back prospect. Physically developed and advanced heading into his junior season. Checked in at 5-foot-10.5, 190 pounds with a rocked up build. One of the more explosive 2024 prospects in the combine setting, registering an electronically-timed 4.57 second 40 yard dash, 40.3 inch vertical and 10 foot broad jump.
Moves at a different speed than many of his fellow top running backs. Carries that burst and twitch over to the field. Shows the play speed to rip off chunk runs. Also catches the ball fairly well, but can continue to improve in that area.
Moderately productive as a sophomore while playing for a team with a losing record. Transferred to IMG Academy prior to his junior season. Older for the cycle, turning 17 years old during his sophomore season. — On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
