Interview: 2020 Iowa QB Hayes Gibson Updates Season and Visit to Iowa State
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A lot of players talk about what they will do in the offseason, but few seem to follow through with the plans to take their game to another level in the free time provided. The 2019 offseason was not lost on Class of 2020 quarterback Hayes Gibson. Gibson (6-2, 187) reworked his technique and mechanics entering the new season with his new team a renewed quarterback. With Gibson in command of the pocket, his Ankeny Centennial squad is off to a 3-0 record against 4A Iowa competition. There are big games coming up on the schedule against Dowling Catholic, Southeast Polk, Fort Dodge, and Roosevelt giving Gibson more opportunities to show college coaches how well he can sling the pigskin around the yard while commanding the offense against top competition.
After a big college camp circuit that helped reshape his mechanics, a great start to the season, and a weekend visit to Ames, Gibson and I sat down for a quick one-on-one.
*Click link for May 23, 2019, RNG interview with Hayes Gibson
Interview
Hayes, when we spoke last you were slinging it at the Elite 11 Regional in Nashville. How did the rest of your summer workouts go?
“They went really well. The first half of the summer was all camps. I got a lot better from that experience throwing to different receivers; that flew by. That experience has really helped this season.”
Which college camps did you compete at this summer?
“I went to two Iowa State camps, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas State, and Northwestern.”
Of all the camps, which did you turn in your best performance?
“My best one was my second Iowa State camp late in June. After throwing to so many different receivers and going through all the different drills, I knew the process better. That was my best performance.”
At the Iowa State camp, what did you do well to showcase your skills?
“I was extremely accurate. I was zipping it all day, great footwork, and I was putting it in the right spot. Everything was flowing for me at that camp.”
Which areas of your game did you focus on over the summer?
“I worked on my technique points. One thing I changed was my base, I was getting a wide base. I focused on fine-tuning my technique to be better with my accuracy.”
What style of offense are the Jaguars running this season?
“Last year they were a traditional running team, a run-first offense. But we pass more this season and we are spreading it. We are lining up in a Spread and throwing more than last season.”
How does the offense fit your skillset?
“It makes it really easy to get guys the ball. I have a lot of weapons. I have really good receivers, a good running back, and a good offensive line. I can get the ball out to my playmakers; I do not have to do everything in this offense.”
After all the hard work over the summer and with the instruction received at camps, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game this season?
“Definitely seeing improvement in my technique. I watched videos before and after all the camps; it is night and day with my technique. There were so many things I was doing wrong. I have fixed my mechanics. There is a great difference in my accuracy and my overall technique.”
What personal goals do you have for yourself for both on and off the field this season?
“I want to get a 4.0 off the field. On the field, I want to win state championship. I have no personal goals. This season is not about me, it is about winning a state championship.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Iowa State – I have a preferred walk-on offer from the Cyclones, North Dakota, Western Illinois, and Kansas State are also showing interest.”
Have you visited any programs separate from the camps over the summer and up to date?
“Yes. I visited Kansas State in Week 2 for their game against Bowling Green. I also went to Iowa State for the Iowa game.”
Tell me about the Kansas State trip.
“It was great. The energy there is second to none. It is a beautiful place there.”
And the Iowa State visit, how did that go for the Iowa game?
“That visit was really good. I had never been to an Iowa State/Iowa game. I talked to my dad’s (Dennis Gibson) old teammates (ISU). I also saw some friends up there I have not seen in a while.”
Are there more visits coming up?
“Yes. I am going back to Iowa State this weekend. I hope to go to North Dakota at some point, but that is a long drive, and I hope to go back to Kansas State.”
Last question. Leadership for a quarterback is very important, how would you describe your leadership style?
“I would say that I have great leadership qualities. In Week 1, one of our running backs tore his Achilles and one of our best linemen who is an Iowa State commit tore his hamstring. For me, I knew I had to step up and keep getting the balls out to different guys so we could make plays and win games. Injuries, that is part of the game. You have to keep going forward.”
Hayes, it was great catching up with you today. I hope you and the Jaguars have continued success and good luck in Ames this weekend.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Gibson family; Hayes Gibson at Iowa State and pre-game warmups