25 Players in 25 Days: #23 Rickey Gibson III

Position: Cornerback
Classification: Graduate Student
Hometown: Trussville, AL
Listed Height: 6-0
Listed Weight: 185 lbs

Key notes from Buchanan’s thoughts on Gibson

• I hope that Rickey Gibson III will end up much higher on this list, and hearing from others who have seen him play, there is a very good chance he will be. On3 reporter Chris Low told me that Gibson was a really good player, but was injured almost all of last year. If you go back to his 2024 season, he had 32 tackles, broke up five passes and forced a fumble. He was a really good player for them, and a lot of guys come back from injury strong. He will replace Will Lee III.
   
• What he showed in 2024 just captured the imagination. He didn't even play in the first game of the season against Chattanooga. He could've padded some stats against them. All of the things I hear, based on the opinions of people who have seen him, say that he is the real deal.
   
• All indications are that Gibson is healthy, and Tennessee had him in the starting lineup for a reason. Mike Elko has said that this is the best secondary that he has had while at Texas A&M, and Gibson would obviously be a big part of that. We all expect him to be a starter.
   
• Whatever it takes to get the job done. All I want to see is him knock some passes down, intercept some and be a sure tackler.
   
• Look at the NFL Draft over the course of the last ten years and how many receivers get taken early out of the SEC. Maybe he isn't the best at press coverage. If so, then why would you be up and let a guy get past you? If you play off and run fast, hopefully he has great ball skills.
   
• When I found out that Dezz Ricks played last year with a torn labrum, any negative thoughts were gone. What a tough guy to be out there playing with a torn labrum. The cornerback position will be in pretty good shape for the Aggies this year.