Abilene Christian graduate-transfer linebacker, Jack Gibbens has verbally committed to the University of Minnesota.
While the Gophers’ football operations have been on pause for two-plus weeks, P.J. Fleck has had some free time to get busy on the recruiting trail. He did just that, adding 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker Jack Gibbens as a graduate-transfer from Abilene Christian. In 2019 as a junior, Gibbens appeared in 12 games collected 104 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Abilene Christian located in Texas, playing at an FCS level. In Gibbens’ senior season the Lions’ finished their 2020 campaign with a 1-5 record.
Gods plan is always greater. I am excited to announce that I am 100% committed to the University of Minnesota! Can’t wait to get to work! #RTB pic.twitter.com/Qz9pSiqYj1
— Jack Gibbens (@johngibbens18) December 5, 2020
Gibbens is also quite the performer off of the field. The former ACU linebacker is one of 12 finalists for the 2020 William V. Campbell Trophy, which is awarded to college football’s top scholar-athlete.
The linebacker position has obviously been a glaring need for the Gophers in 2020 with serious inexperience and a lack of consistent production. Looking ahead at next season Mariano Sori-Marrin will be back for his senior season, while Cody Lindenberg, Josh Aune, and James Gordon will obviously have a “full-season” of experience under their belt. I would have to imagine that Gibbens will have every opportunity to contribute to Joe Rossi’s defense next season. No matter in which way that is, another veteran presence in the position room certainly will not hurt.
Jack Gibbens chose the Gophers over South Florida, Arkansas State, Charlotte, and UTSA. The 2021 transfer portal is obviously very shallow as very few teams if any have completed their current 2020 season, but P.J. Fleck seems to have gotten a head start on the transfer market over the rest of the country.