Interview: New Jersey QB Darius Gibson going through position progression on and off the field

In 2014 Franklin High School went through a learning curve on and off the field. The Somerset, New Jersey squad finished 2-8 but like most units that take their lumps in one season, watch out for that same team the following season.

The Warriors have returning starting quarterback Darius Gibson back for his senior campaign in 2015. The 6’0”, 182 pound, signal caller went through the trials and tribulations of learning the position on the go. Showing a strong arm and the willingness to take a big hit in the pocket to deliver a strike to a receiver down field, Ivy League schools like Cornell and Harvard saw enough to extend offers. Now teams like Army, Georgetown, Pennsylvania, Yale, and Ball State are all showing various levels of interest.

Gibson’s future is set heading to the collegiate level, the only question is where. The bigger question for the dual-threat quarterback is how will he transform all of his raw talent and shape that into a breakout senior season?

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview we sat down with Gibson going over the Warriors 2014 season, his offseason schedule and workouts along with a look ahead to the 2015 season.

 

Darius, I know last year was a tough one finishing 2-8, but let’s go over the season a little. Was the team confident going into the season that the Warriors were going to be a playoff contender?

“Last year we felt really confident going into the season. We felt like we were clicking. Our first game we were going strong, in the second half we could not finish off the team. The play calling was good we just could not put them away in the second half and that was the way the season kind of went.”

Will the Warriors bounce back in 2015 to make the playoffs?

“Most definitely. The juniors coming up that will be seniors are prepared. We’ve been mentoring the young pups all the way down the line to be ready to play at the varsity level. We are expecting a winning record and a run into the playoffs.”

Setting you up on a T here, what will be the strength of next the 2015 team?

“(Laughing) I think our strength will be the offense. We have to replace a couple of guys on defense but I think we’ll have a solid defense this year.”

What are your strengths in the pocket as a quarterback?

“I’m able to go through my progressions quickly. Another strength is being able to make the right decision to run, stay in the pocket, or where I need to go with the ball.”

What about from a pure passing standpoint?

“As a passer I can do any drop step, 3, 5, or 7-step drop. My mechanics have gotten better. I’ve been working in the offseason to get that depth from the line.”

What are your goals for the 2015 season?

“My goals are to have a good experience through the recruiting process with my team. Another goal is to win more games than we did last year. I want to leave making a mark at Franklin and having a good time in the process.”

You currently hold offers from Cornell and Harvard, what other schools are showing interest in you?

“Army, Georgetown, Pennsylvania, Yale, and Ball State are all showing interest.”

Have you been on any unofficial visits yet?

“I visited Harvard over spring break and I’m going to Cornell in a couple of weeks.”

How did the Harvard visit go for you?

“It was great. When I got there the coaches were amazing. We really connected. I got to see the practice. The food was good as well (laughing). That’s important too.”

Are you attending any camps coming up either exposure or one-day college camps?

“Upcoming I’m going to the Elite 11 quarterback camp at Ohio State. After that I’m going to Harvard, then Cornell, and then I’ll be at Lauren’s First and Goal camp.”

Do you have any other unofficial visits lined up?

“I’m planning on going to Georgetown as well. I want to visit the campus and meet with the coaches just get to know them better.”

When you talk to the various college coaches what are they telling you they like about your game?

“They tell me that they like my accuracy. They like how the ball flies off my hand and how I can be a pocket quarterback but that I can run if needed, a dual-threat. They like that I am a leader on and off the field. They like that I play through the whole game and that I do not give up and that I’m trying to get my team that win.”

You’re in a growing Big Ten section of the country. Seems you are pretty focused on Ivy League schools are you open to other schools in other conferences?

“I’m keeping my door wide open. I want to keep my options open so when that time comes I can make my decision from there. I want to make sure I’m a fit at that particular place before I commit.”

Which schools are you interested in outside of the programs that are already in contact with you?

“I like Baylor, Cincy (Cincinnati), Ball State, James Madison – that’s a good school as well. UCF (Central Florida), they have a good offense. My doors are open. If a school offers I’ll think about it and weigh my options.”

When your time comes to verbally commit to a school what will influence you most on your final decision?

“The campus and how it is set up. You go on the different campuses, the campuses are big with large classroom. You don’t get the one-on-one time with the teacher at the bigger schools. I’d like to have that one-on-one environment. I like to go to the teacher to catch up on things. Sports wise, the competitiveness of that conference, I’m always looking for that next challenge. I’m always looking for that hump in the road that you want to get over and say you did it.”

Do you have an idea on what you want to major in while in college?

“I’m currently looking to major in pre-med, as a sports trainer, or in physical therapy. I’m also thinking of getting a minor in business and marketing.”

What are you doing in the offseason to prepare for the various camps and your senior season?

“I just finished up spring track. I competed in the 110 meter hurdles, the  high jump, and the 200 meters. I’m lifting with a couple of trainers. I’m coming back from an injury, I had to rehab my injury. I had to get my body physically right and mentally right. Going into the season I want to stay healthy. I’ve been throwing with my wide receivers and with some of my other coaches.”

Are you working on tweaking any mechanics in the offseason?

“With my mechanics I am working on being consistent with my ball placement and my spiral so every throw is perfect.”

Let’s backtrack a little here. You said you were running track, what was your best time in the 200?

“24.3.”

Another thing we kind of skipped, you said you were coming back from an injury. What injury did you have last season?

“I had a high ankle sprain. We were going into halftime I was rolled up on. I went to the doctor. He said rest it, it was a bye week and then I played through it for the rest of the season.”

But you’re 100 percent now?

“Yes sir.”

Who has had the biggest impact on your football career to date?

“My dad (Marcus Gibson) has had the biggest impact. He’s always pushing me even when I don’t want to go outside. He’s always saying, “Let’s go throw.” He’s always trying to prepare me for whatever comes my way.”

What do you like most about playing football?

“I’m a competitor, it’s a challenge. I want to show that I belong here and I’m the best. If I don’t show that there is something I need to work on to get better.”

 

Written by Ryan Wright

Photo credit: Darius Gibson works on perfecting his craft

Photo credit: twitter.com; Darius at Harvard