Interview: 2020 Arkansas QB Hank Gibbs Being Recognized Early for Talents
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
It did not take Class of 2020 quarterback Hank Gibbs long to draw the spotlight his way with his play on the field this season; actually, it only took one game. Gibbs blew the doors off in the opener for No. 2 Fayetteville High School (MaxPreps) hitting 8 of 9 for 150 yards with four scores posted on the board against Vianney (MO) in a runaway win. The performance quickly earned him Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Week honors. Not a bad start for one of the Natural State’s most overlooked talents.
The 6-5, 217-pound, gunslinger started drawing attention his way as a junior filling in for injured 2019 quarterback Darius Bowers hitting 72 of 127 attempt for 1,002 with 14 touchdowns. Jump to his senior season, after Gibbs slayed it in the opening game, he completed 22 passes for 200 yards with a touchdown against Oklahoma’s No. 3 ranked Owasso. After this week’s bye, the Bulldogs host defending 7A state champs No. 1 Bryant before going on the road to face rival No. 10 Bentonville West in a strategic 7A West Conference showdown with No. 7 Bentonville waiting in October.
Gibbs’ play has brought in offers from Bryant, Eastern Kentucky, and Indiana State with teams like Wyoming showing interest. A deeper look into Gibbs off the field, he carries a 3.93 GPA with a 25 scored on the ACT.
In an RNG update interview, Gibbs and I sit down for a quick conversation covering his hot start to his senior season.
*Click link for May 24, 2019, RNG video interview with Hank Gibbs from Nashville Elite 11
Interview
Hank, before we get into the 2019 season, if you will, update me on what you worked on over the offseason to prepare for your senior year?
“One thing I worked on a lot was command of the offense. I worked on making sure everyone gets lined up properly and knows the plays. We have a new coach and a new offense this season. I have been going over protections and looking at defenses. With my technique, I have worked on my footwork; I shored that up. I took that to heart this offseason making sure everything is precise.”
What type of offense are you running this season with the Bulldogs?
“We are running a Spread-RPO (run-pass option). We definitely spread it out.”
Did you go to any college camps to get further instruction and to show off the skills?
“Yes. I went to a Memphis camp and a mega camp at Lindenwood in St. Louis.”
Of the two, which did you give your best performance?
“I think my best was at the Lindenwood Mega Camp. I got my first two offers from that camp; Indiana State and Eastern Kentucky.”
Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
What did you learn at the camps this summer that will help you with your game this season?
“I learned about being very competitive in everything you do. I learned to always be ready to compete against anyone and everyone. I learned about having confidence in what you do.”
You touched on this a minute ago but to go into more detail; how did you prepare over the offseason for the mental part of the game beyond what you already mentioned?
“Since we have a new coaching staff, we talked about all the new plays. We’ve been working hard together getting everyone lined up. We have prepared mentally on how we want to attack defenses – it is a different philosophy from last year.”
How does the offense fit your talents?
“I am a gunslinger. I like to throw the ball around the field. This offense allows me to use my strengths and my strong arm.”
You guys have played two out of state teams in Vianney (MO) and Owasso (OK), what are you doing well on the field in the early part of the season?
“I am throwing the ball well downfield. I did well with that in our first game. In our second game, I was taking what the defense was giving me. Sometimes they will give you the deep ball, sometimes you have to throw it underneath.”
Looking over the schedule, the Bulldogs have some exciting games ahead. Which ones are some of the marquee games fans should watch for this season?
“The Bryant game (Sept. 20) and when Bentonville comes in October. That will be a big-time game.”
What goals have you set for both on and off the field during your senior year?
“On the field, I want to help lead my team to a conference and state championship. Off the field, I want to be a great leader for my teammates. Being a senior, I want to be a guy who underclassmen can talk to and learn from so they can get better.”
Hank, always great catching up with you. Thanks for your time and congratulations on your Gatorade Player of the Week recognition.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Fayetteville HS/Gibbs family; Hank Gibbs vs. Vianney