Longhorns’ running game needed depth and freshman Jerrick Gibson provided tremendous boost
If things had gone according to plan, Jerrick Gibson probably would have redshirted his first season at Texas. There were too many older running backs, and the freshman would have to wait his turn. But two running backs got hurt in August, and suddenly the next-man-up mantra kicked in. Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner found […]
If things had gone according to plan, Jerrick Gibson probably would have redshirted his first season at Texas. There were too many older running backs, and the freshman would have to wait his turn.
But two running backs got hurt in August, and suddenly the next-man-up mantra kicked in. Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner found themselves elevated on the depth chart, and Gibson was suddenly third.
Gibson was prepared, having finished high school at IMG Academy. He came to UT as the 13th-best running back in Florida, according to On3. Still, it’s unclear how a 5-foot-10, 205-pound runner would react until showtime.
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“I enjoyed it a lot,” Gibson told reporters at Peach Bowl media day, according to Inside Texas. “We’ve still got a lot more games to play, but I enjoyed sitting back and watching the older guys play and learning from them. When I got my opportunity, I made the most out of it.
“There’s still a lot of football to play, but I’m enjoying it right now.”
Gibson averaged 4.9 yards per carry this season and tallied up 377 yards along with four touchdowns. He’s already logged one 100-yard game against Florida as Texas kickstarted its run through November.
“He’s doing an excellent job,” running backs coach Tashard Choice told reporters, according to Inside Texas. “He’s coachable. I’m on his head every single day. I don’t let up because once he really gets it and once he plays a little faster and understands what his eyes see, he’s going to be a really good running back.”
The running back situation was dicey as the season began. CJ Baxter and Christian Clark both suffered season-ending injuries before the opener. Coaches turned to Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner. Blue had some fumble issues midway through the season, and that helped get Gibson some playing time.
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The Horns averaged 173.5 rushing yards per game in the rugged SEC, a league known for hard-running programs. Coach Steve Sarkisian took great pride in using the run game to drain the clock against Florida, Kentucky and Texas A&M.
Texas’ run game will be key against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. The Horns would prefer to keep Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo on the sideline as much as possible. That means Blue, Wisner and Gibson must keep the chains moving.
