Interview: Rising 2020 Arkansas QB Hank Gibbs Talks Football and Workouts

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Fayetteville High School quarterback Hank Gibbs has all the tools to bring top college football programs to the yard game after game, he just needs the extensive game reps to show the uncertain scouts all that he can do. During his junior campaign, he started three games filling in for three-star senior quarterback Darius Bowers (UCA) throwing for 1,002 yards with 14 touchdowns. The 6-5, 225-pound, pocket passer has all the intangibles desired by collegiate offensive coordinators with an arm that can make any throw needed. He is also a true student-athlete carrying a 3.93 cumulative GPA with a 25 scored on the ACT.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of the rising quarterback prospects in SEC territory to learn more about his talents and emerging recruiting process.

Interview

Hank, you were able to get meaningful snaps last season filling in for Darius Bowers when needed. How did you prepare for the opportunities given?

“To get ready, I took a lot of extra reps with my receivers. My coaches had a great game plan for me allowing me to settle in for my first appearance.”

What were some of the elements of your game you had to adapt to in a hurry going up against tough 7A competition?

“The speed of the game, everything was a lot faster. I had to make sure everyone was lined up correctly, check out the defensive alignment, and see where the corners looking and do it all quickly. Everything was just a lot faster.”

How do you feel your overall game improved last season?

“Each week I got better. I settled in after the first half of my first start. In the second half of my first start, we started playing well. My receivers did a great job and so did my offensive linemen.”

Your game film shows you have a big arm, good mobility in the pocket while keeping your eyes downfield looking to make a play, what are some of the other areas of your game you feel are strengths?

“I feel my ability to read coverages and knowing where to go with the ball is a strength. I am always working on my pocket awareness. My pocket awareness is good, but I am always working on it. My post and pre-snap reads are good as well.”

With the experience gained, are you going to do anything differently during your senior year with your preparation?

“I am approaching my senior year with the thought that every snap counts and everything matters. That will be my approach. Everything you do has a purpose in football. I will prepare with good urgency.”

I like that. What are you working on with your technique and overall game this offseason?

“I am working on my intermediate and quick passes. I am also speeding up my technique with good footwork. One thing I need to work on his having more touch on the ball. Sometimes I throw it in hot.”

Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring?

“I am with my high school team. I think we have two 7v7 tournaments this year, the Southwest Showcase and one in Charleston.”

I know recruiting is just picking up for you. Which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from SMU, Purdue, Princeton, Harvard, and Dartmouth. Memphis came to my school to talk to me. They are coming back again in the spring.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“As of right now, the visits I will take will come when I compete at camps this summer. I am planning on attending camps at Purdue, Memphis, and SMU. Nothing is finalized yet, but I am looking at those three camps.”

Do you play any other sports for Fayetteville?

“Yes, sir. I play baseball.”

Which position?

“I am a starting pitcher.”

How is it going so far?

“I pitched five innings on Tuesday. I struck out for, didn’t give up a run, and scattered three hits. We won 8-0.”

That is a great start to the season. Hank, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck with your offseason workouts and the baseball season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: @NWADemGazPhotos; No. 18 Hank Gibbs