Kyle Gibson  [6’ 0” 160 lbs | 2014 DB]

Max Bench: 215
Max Squat: 355
40 yd dash: 4.7

Drawing Interest From (According to Gibson these schools have asked Armwood coaches about the him): NC State, Miami

2011 Stats: 86 tackles (40 solo) – 2 sacks – 1 interception – 7 passes defended – 2 FR – 1 FF

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A sophomore defensive back, Kyle Gibson has quickly made an impact in his first year starting for the Armwood Hawks.

Gibson is the fourth-leading tackler on the 6A state-championship bound squad. He was a key component in the Hawks advancing out of the regional final.

Trailing with less than six minutes to go n the regional final Gainesville had the ball and Armwood was out of timeouts.

“I didn’t think they would pass,” Gibson explained.  “They had the lead I thought they would just run the clock out. I thought he was gonna run out of bounds but he tucked it.”

Gibson lowered the boom forcing a fumble that was scooped up by leading tackler Keionne Baines. Armwood would take over and scored the game-winning touchdown a few plays later.

“Nerves haven’t really hit me yet,” Gibson said of his ability to make big plays. “Its higher stakes, but I think it just comes down to football.”

In the state semifinal versus Bartram Trail, the sophomore again made a big play late in the first half. The Hawks had been beaten a handful of times by inside bubble screens that allowed Bears’ receivers to turn upfield for yards after the catch.

Gibson noticed this and when he saw the play develop in front of him he stepped in front of the Bartram Trail WR, making the interception; he returned the ball to midfield setting up a late score.

“He’s [Nation Peterman, Tennessee commit] the best quarterback I’ve seen thus far,” Gibson said of Peterman’s performance.  “Whenever someone did something wrong he hurt us.”

Gibson has shown a lot potential. He says that he thinks he will gain another inch or two in height while also continuing to work in the weight room throughout his career at Armwood.

He is fortunate. He will learn from one of the top DBs in the state in Leon McQuay and already recognizes that he has learned a lot from him in just his first season as a Hawks’ starter.

“It’s been a good year for my first year starting, being on Armwood, making it to states, it’s a lot of experience,” Gibson said. “I think I only get better from here with more experience”

If Gibson had just a few words to describe himself to a recrutitr he would say that he is a “hard worker, determined, listen to coach and is a quick learner.”

The 6A state championship game will just be another game for Gibson. He’s already played in back-to-back ‘biggest games of his life.’

“All of our playoff games have been at home,” Gibson said of his lack of nerves thus far. “That may change things a little, but I don’t think so.”