Interview: 3-Star 2021 Louisiana SS/ATH Jardin Gilbert is a Head Hunter
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Louisiana high school football players at the 3A classification could not avoid Jardin Gilbert during the 2019 season. The 6-2, 175-pound, athlete was everywhere, ringing bells at safety while burning his kin folk as a receiver. The University Lab talent crunched ball carriers 40 times with four tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and picked off four bad decisions. Going the other way, the three-star recruit hauled in 20 passes for 500 yards crossing the goal line five times. Twenty college programs see the Baton Rouge area product as a next level safety, an amazing offer total given the powerhouse team in his backyard.
In an RNG first-look, Gilbert rolls with the Q&A filling us in on his 2019 performance along with his opportunities on the recruiting trail.
Interview
Jardin, the Cubs went on an impressive run during the 2019 playoffs going to the 3A semifinal round. How did you step up your overall game during the playoffs last season?
“What motivated me, I was hurt in the beginning of the season. I came back in Week 3 on offense and on defense I came back in Week 6. I had to push myself even harder when I came back, that carried me through the playoffs.”
The Cubs were running a Spread last season, what were some of the routes you were running within the scheme?
“Slants, go-routes, comebacks, posts, hitches, screens – all types of stuff. We had a new offensive coordinator last season.”
How did your overall game improve last season?
“When I first got to U-High, I was not able to play my freshman year. During my sophomore year, I did not play offense. I knew I had to step up going both ways going into the season. I watched videos and trained after practice to get better. I was making people miss and my route running improved a lot. The most improved part of my game was getting yards after contact.”
On defense, which positions were you playing and what coverages were you guys executing in the secondary?
“I was playing safety. We did man, some Cover 1, but the majority of the time we were in Cover 2.”
Where did you show improvements in your game on that side of the ball?
“Knowing the athletes that have come from U-High, that motivated me. I lifted and got faster because I knew I had to go against these big running backs. Coming downhill and tackling improved.”
What have you been working on this spring?
“My footwork, coming out of my breaks on offense, and having a better release.”
The speed to your game shows. What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
“Hand-timed, a 4.47.”
Nice. The recruiting ranking does not match the total number of offers you have. How many are you holding?
“Twenty-plus.”
Gilbert’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Colorado, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Houston, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Michigan State, Mississippi State, South Alabama, Southern University, Tulane, Virginia, and Virginia Tech
Are there any programs showing interest but have not offered yet?
“LSU, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech.”
Because of your athletic talents that could be used on either side of the ball, at which position are most teams offering you?
“At safety, that is what I am going to college for.”
Over the last few months, did you get any visits in out there?
“Yes. I went on a visit to Alabama.”
How did that go?
“I enjoyed it a lot.”
What all did you do while on campus?
“We took a tour around the campus; their facilities were under construction. They broke down how they help their athletes and how they take care of their athletes physically and with their academics.”
Because the offer total is so high, have you started thinking about what your ideal fit for a school will be when the time comes?
“Some schools are not offering because they are worried that I will commit to a certain school. When the time comes, I will go to the school that is the best fit for me not just because.”
I am picking up what you are laying down. Last question; for fun. My virus buster question. What have you been doing during your downtime to entertain yourself?
“Beating everyone I play in Madden.”
Do you have a favorite team in Madden?
“I just match up; it does not matter.”
Even more impressive. Jardin, it was a lot of fun getting time in with you today. I appreciate it, and stay safe.
“Thank you, you too.”
Photo credit: Gilbert family/Twitter: No. 1 Jardin Gilbert in action (2019)