AUSTIN, Texas— When freshman running back Jerrick Gibson committed to the Texas Longhorns in summer 2023, earning early playing time seemed challenging. With Jonathon Brooks still having two years of eligibility and top recruit CJ Baxter already on campus since January, Gibson faced stiff competition from sophomore Jaydon Blue, freshman Tre Wisner, and sophomore Savion Red.
After Brooks declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, Gibson enrolled in January, vying for the No. 4 spot on the depth chart behind Baxter, Blue, and Wisner. Now, as the Longhorns prepare for their final non-conference game against Louisiana-Monroe, Gibson is likely to start due to injuries in the running back room—Baxter and Christian Clark are out for the season, Blue is sidelined with an ankle sprain, and Wisner is dealing with an unspecified injury.
Here’s Texas RB Jerrick Gibson in “baby rhino” mode.
“It’s going to be okay for him to make a guy miss and try to score a touchdown, but right now Coach Choice has got him, like red dot and something, then running right at it.” https://t.co/5sEoEDsYGc pic.twitter.com/oQxWPyTuDf
— Wescott Eberts (@SBN_Wescott) September 16, 2024
With Blue and Wisner listed as “game-time decisions,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian indicated that Gibson will be crucial, potentially surpassing the 13 carries he had against UTSA. Sarkisian noted Gibson’s ability to rise through the depth chart as injuries mounted, highlighting his passion for the game and strong work ethic.
Standing 5’10” and weighing 205 pounds, Gibson, who played his last two high school seasons at IMG Academy, runs tougher than his size suggests. Sarkisian described him as tough and hard-nosed, attributes essential under position coach Tashard Choice, who is known for his demanding coaching style. Despite being a freshman, Gibson has shown he embraces contact, earning him the nickname “Baby Rhino” from the coaching staff.
In a standout performance against UTSA, Gibson rushed 13 times for 75 yards, demonstrating his willingness to seek contact, particularly during an 11-yard run late in the first quarter. As he develops under Choice’s guidance, Sarkisian emphasizes the importance of balance in Gibson’s game.
Pro Football Focus noted Gibson forced four missed tackles and gained 93 of his 178 rushing yards after contact. His effectiveness in the red zone is evident; he has tallied 59 of Longhorns 68 rushing yards inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, contributing two touchdowns and averaging 4.9 yards per carry.
Gibson’s early success guarantees him a role moving forward, and with the ongoing injuries at the position, he will have ample opportunities to gain experience on a significant stage as the season progresses.
