Friday, March 18, 2011

HBCU NFL Draft Prospect: Marquez Gibson, DB, Benedict College

During Marquez Gibson career at Benedict College he established himself as one of the top safeties in the SIAC Football conference the last two years. Gibson was selected First Team All-conference in both his Junior and Senior seasons. He was also selected First Team All-American after his Junior season. As a Senior, Gibson led the Benedict defense in total tackles with 58 and also interceptions with 6 from his free saftey position. He tore the labrium in his left shoulder in the second week of his Senior season but didn't miss a game showing his toughness. Gibson is a versatile and fluid safety who displays good skills in coverage. He played closer to the line in Benedict's cover 3 defense scheme as a strong safety. He also lined up over the slot receiver in nickel situations, quick flipping his hips in transition, and effectively runs laterally with opponents. He impressed NFL Scouts during the HBCU Bowl All-Star week showing a nice burst to the ball out of his plant while displaying decent sideline-to-sideline range in coverage. Scouts requested during the bowl week to see him play some cornerback as well. He tested very well for NFL scouts at the HBCU Bowl Combine with 4.50, 4.53 40 times and a 35 inch vertical jump. Gibson is a physical player and displays above average ball skills and is also very quick up the field to defend the run. Gibson does tends to come up the field a little too quickly at times and gets caught out of position. He also needs to stay lower in his back paddle. His aggressive play causes him to miss some open field tackles and he needs to do a better job of wrapping up while tackling. Gibson is a nice sized defensive back at 6-1 205 lbs who flashes very good athleticism. He displays the closing speed and the ability to get up field for the next level. He also shows good hands to make the interception. Gibson has shown a lot of skill the past two seasons and is a resilient player who works hard on the field. He offers possibilities as a rotating safety for a zone/man system, and has a special teams capabilities which will help his chances with making a roster for the next level.

Marquez Gibson Highlights

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