KU lands Rockhurst lineman
The last two months have been long when it comes to the football recruiting for Joe Gibson. In January several schools offered him a scholarship. He took official visits to Idaho, Western Michigan, and Penn. All three schools offered.
Signing day came and went without a decision. Finally Gibson decided he was going to be a preferred walk on at either Kansas or Kansas State. He previously visited Kansas two weeks ago and Monday took his trip to Manhattan.
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"The visit went good," Gibson said of the Kansas State trip. "The football stuff they have is there is nice and they have good coaches."
After the visit Gibson had all the information he needed and wanted to have a decision within the next few days after visiting Kansas State. On Friday he knew where his future home would be.
"I decided to go to Kansas," Gibson said. "After talking to coach Tim Grunhard and the opportunity I will have there it was something I couldn't pass up."
Many players wouldn't pass up the chance to take a full ride at division one schools. But Gibson has a lot of ties to Kansas. His uncle, Harry Gibson, played basketball at Kansas. His great uncle Ray Evans was a two-time All-American in football and basketball for the Jayhawks.
"It was a tough decision to pass up on the schools that offered me," Gibson said. "But after my visit to KU I kind of knew. I grew up a KU fan my whole life. So it wasn't that hard. I think I can go in and earn a scholarship."
Gibson said he will report in June the same time when the scholarship players arrive. He will have a chance to make a run at the depth chart right away. That was one thing Grunhard told him during their conversations.
"He was happy when I told him I am going to Kansas," Gibson said. "He thinks I will have a good chance to make it and I made the right decision. That was also one of the biggest factors is knowing him and trusting him."
This is a big get for the Jayhawks. They will get a local recruit that has division one potential. On top of that a player that wanted to be at Kansas. He has the potential to fight for the job at center.
Rockhurst head coach Tony Severino thought Gibson was their top lineman among a talented group.
"We felt he was our best lineman," Severino said. "Had we needed him to play defensive line he could have done that. I think he will be a versatile player in college because he can play center or guard. If you get in a bind he could even play tackle. His athleticism is what sets him apart."
Gibson was an all-state selection for Rockhurst and has played basketball for four years.