Texas A&M football is bringing in a conference standout to replace the outgoing Will Lee, who is bound for the NFL draft after a big year in College Station. The Aggies picked up a commitment today from former Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson, who will battle with former Georgia corner Julio Humphrey for the corner spot opposite Dezz Ricks in next year's defense.
The Aggies have to feel a lot better about their depth at corner now that Gibson is joining up with them. While five-star signee Brandon Arrington is locking down the next generation of great receivers in all-American practices, he may not be a day one starter, which is why a guy like Gibson is so necessary.
Many tabbed Humphrey, a former starter for the Georgia Bulldogs, as a sure starter for the Aggies next year, but Gibson will give him a run for his money. This is a major move for the Texas A&M secondary.
Texas A&M football adds huge name in Tennessee's Rickey Gibson
Gibson was expected to be a breakout player for the Volunteers this past year, but he suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the year. The Aggies could be the beneficiaries of his breakout if he's all the way back from his injury, which the coaching staff clearly feels good about.
The Aggies had one of the best pass defenses in the country this past year when it comes to yards per attempt allowed, coming in tied for 10th. That has a lot to do with Ricks and Lee, and Gibson is a guy that this staff will be counting on to carry that torch going forward.
A good pass defense will get you a long way in this game. Gibson is the man to help the Aggies maintain their level of play in that respect— this is a really great job by Ish Aristide and Mike Elko to get his commitment locked in.