Interview: 2019 OLB/RB Dhante Gibson Working for Another Arkansas State Title Run

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When the 2017 season kicked off, Junction City was one Arkansas team few were surprised to see make a run to the 2A championship game. The Dragons steamrolled through the schedule posting a 13-1 record with a strong running game that averaged 331 yards per game and 46 points per contest and a stingy defense that limited the opposition to 23 points each time out. One common thread on both sides of the ball helping lead the charge forward for Junction City was Dhante Gibson.

On offense, Gibson was a key contributor spelling senior Shuvasceiaye Frazier (175/1,431 yds/19 TDs) and fellow Class of 2019 talent Hishmma Taylor (337/2,523/29). Gibson toted the rock 26 times for 160 yards with six scores posted averaging 6.2 yards per touch. Where the 6-1, 190-pound, athlete shinned brighter last season was on defense. Gibson tallied a stat line of 53 tackles with 10.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.

Gibson took on a new challenge this offseason heading to Dallas for the Nike Opening Regional. After going head to head with some of the best high school football competition in the nation, I got a few minutes with one of the Natural State’s rising talents to learn more about his overall game and summer camp circuit.

Interview

What was the run to the 2A Arkansas championship game like for you?

“I knew it was coming – back from the offseason. I wish we would have won. I hope to be back this season.”

How did those extra games against top competition help expand your playing abilities?

“My sophomore year, that is when it all started. We played against tough competition then, that helped me get better. That experience helped me man up. We had a good season my sophomore year as well. In the playoffs in 2017, I had to play more aggressively. I played against offensive linemen with SEC offers. I knew I would have to shed blocks even better; they were not normal competition. I had to utilize my speed to get around those guys to make plays.”

Between linebacker and running back, which position do you like best?

“I like the defensive side more. I just like it. I like delivering the hit. I don’t mind running the ball, but I like linebacker more.”

Which areas of your game on defense improved the most last season?

“I’d say my reads at linebacker. My sophomore year I played safety during the first half of the season, the reads are different there. I improved a lot on my reads last year. At linebacker, you can’t think like you can at safety. I played more aggressive during my junior year.”

What about on offense, how did your game improve on that side of the ball?

“My game improved all-around. I learned from one of the state’s best running backs. I learned from him every day in practice and during games. He helped me with cuts. He taught me a lot. He taught me how to be a better running back and prepared me to take the torch this season.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I am working on my offensive game, my footwork as a running back, and getting use to dropping back into coverage. Talking to my coach, I will play a safety/linebacker hybrid position this year. I am working on quicker hips and feet, keeping my pad level low, and I am working on my conditioning.”

When did the Dragons start spring practice?

“We started on Tuesday.”

How is the team looking?

“We are looking good. I think we will shock a lot of people. We lost a lot of senior talent, but on offense, I think we will be sound. We will be very similar to last season. We lost a lot on defense, but all in all we are moving around well. Everyone is in shape and ready to go. I am looking forward to my senior season with the team we have.”

I got to see you perform at the Nike Opening Regional in Dallas, how did that camp go for you?

“I did pretty good. I know I could have done better on my testing. Being a high jumper, I was kicking my feet out during the vertical. My shuttle was pretty good, I ran a 4.27. During the one-on-ones I did well.”

What SPARQ score did you post?

“82.14.”

Shifting to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?

“Texas State, Arkansas State, Arkansas, Memphis, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Monroe, Arkansas Tech and a couple of Ivy League schools reach out every couple of weeks.”

Have any college coaches come by Junction City to see you in person this offseason?

“Arkansas State, Memphis, Texas State, and Arkansas Tech have come by this offseason.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“Yes, sir. I went to Arkansas State in February and I went to Louisiana Tech in March.”

How did the Arkansas State visit go?

“It went well. I liked it a lot up there. I like what they are doing with the program. I like how they treat their players and how they have their academic program set up. Academics – that is key with my parents. I know I would be a good fit in their defense up there. One of my closest cousins (Terrell Gibson a LB from Junction City) is walking on up there. It would be fun to play with him at the next level.”

How did the Louisiana Tech visit go?

“It went well. I had visited there before with Terrell Gibson. I really like the school and the campus there.”

Do you have any college camps you might attend this summer?

“Yes, sir. I am planning on attending camps at Arkansas Tech, Arkansas State, Texas State, and Memphis.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“2.9.”

Have you taken the ACT and/or the SAT?

“My best score on the ACT is a 19.”

You mentioned track earlier, do you play any other sports for Junction City?

“Basketball.”

Which events are you competing in with track?

“The long jump, high jump, and 4×1.”

Of those events, which is your best event?

“The long jump. My best distance is 20-feet 20-inches.”

Last question. If a college coach reads this interview and wants to start recruiting you, what type of student-athlete are they investing time and energy in with you?

“They are investing in a student first and an athlete second. I get the academics first mentality from my mom and dad. They stress academics before sports. College coaches recruiting me will get a hard-working student and athlete. On the field, they will get a passionate player. I have passion for the game and a lot of energy and discipline. I love the game.”

Dhante, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of spring practices.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Dhante Gibson