Vol Club Confidential: Rickey Gibson
Tennessee corner Rickey Gibson joined Vol Club Confidential sponsored by Knoxville Smiles this week to talk about his growth during his first season on Rocky Top.
“That first year was a learning experience for sure,” Gibson said. “Coming in from high school to college it was a big speed different change to get used to. I just try to put my head down and impress the coaches and myself and the teammates.”
He appeared in all 13 games last season, seeing significant action on special teams and time as a reserve defensive back. He saw extensive action at corner in win over Vanderbilt, playing 39 snaps while allowing just one reception for one yard and racking up three tackles.
Going from high school star to the back of the line was eye opening but also allowed him to grow.
“It was very hard,” Gibson said. “I remember the first time I was front of the line and everyone was looking at me and was like what is he doing so I got in the back of the line after that. In high school I was in the front showing them what to do so I just had to learn after them.”
So was there a moment when the game slowed down?
“It might sound crazy but it was after that Kentucky game when I got that concussion,” Gibson said. “It changed my mind that I could do this.”
Heading into spring practice next week, Gibson is ready to hit the ground running with high hopes.
“I have a lot of confidence,” Gibson said. “It’s going to be fun. I like to press and see what they can run.”
Playing for Willie Martinez has allowed him to learn from a veteran voice.
“He has a different coaching style than my high school coach,” Gibson said. “Just learning how he coaches and different ways I can gather information from him. Like how he isn’t talking at me and we are more conversations. That’s the biggest thing for real.”
