In a surprising turn, the Texas Longhorns football program just announced that running back Jerrick Gibson and kicker Will Stone are both leaving. They’re opting to preserve their remaining eligibility and plan to enter the transfer portal when it opens on January 2nd next year.
This news follows the Longhorns’ 23-6 win over Oklahoma. It definitely signals a big shift in the team’s roster dynamics.
Jerrick Gibson’s Journey with the Longhorns
Jerrick Gibson came in as a former four-star recruit and was a highly regarded member of Texas’ 2024 recruiting class. Things haven’t exactly gone smoothly for him in Austin.
He struggled to find consistent playing time. This season, he only got one carry for minus-3 yards.
Over his career, Gibson totaled 152 yards and one touchdown on 37 carries. His freshman year looked more promising, with 377 yards and four scores.
Challenges and Competition
Gibson ran into ball security problems and fierce competition in the backfield. Tre Wisner returned, and James Simon and Christian Clark started to emerge.
He was once a key target for former running backs coach Tashard Choice. But as his role shrank, Gibson decided it was time to look elsewhere for a fresh start.
Will Stone’s Role and Departure
Will Stone, ranked as the nation’s No. 3 kicker in the 2022 recruiting class, is also leaving Texas. Stone’s time with the Longhorns had its ups and downs.
He lost the starting job but mainly handled kickoff duties. During last year’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Ohio State, he briefly took over place-kicking and made two extra points.
Stone’s Contributions
This season, Stone had eight touchbacks on 20 kickoffs, though he missed two games with an undisclosed injury. With him gone, Texas will turn to Mason Shipley, who already stepped in during Stone’s absence earlier this year.
Stone wraps up a three-season stint where he contributed a lot to the special teams unit. The team will have to move on without him.
Impact on the Texas Longhorns
Losing Gibson and Stone shakes up the roster. The Longhorns will have to figure out how to fill those gaps.
Adjusting the Roster
At running back, the Longhorns will lean more on Tre Wisner, James Simon, and Christian Clark. Each has shown flashes of promise.
Their bigger roles will matter a lot for the team’s success. The coaching staff will need to focus on helping these guys grow quickly.
Special Teams Adjustments
On special teams, Mason Shipley steps into the main kicker role. He handled the job earlier this year and looked capable enough.
Still, the team needs to make sure they’ve got enough depth and talent to back up Shipley and keep the unit strong. Special teams can swing games, so it’s not something to take lightly.
Looking Ahead
As the Longhorns get ready for the next season, they’ll focus on working in new players and making smart adjustments. The transfer portal is going to be a big deal as they try to bring in fresh talent.
Transfer Portal Opportunities
The portal opens January 2nd, giving Texas a chance to scout and recruit players who can help right away. The coaching staff will need to move fast and be aggressive about filling the holes left by Gibson and Stone.
Future Prospects
Losing two key guys never feels great, but it gives others a chance to step up. Texas has a track record of developing talent, so you have to think they’ll find a way through.
It’ll be interesting to see who rises to the occasion. That’s the nature of college football, isn’t it?
Conclusion
The departures of Jerrick Gibson and Will Stone from the Texas Longhorns football program definitely mark a big moment for the team. It’s not every day you see shifts like this.
The Longhorns will have to get creative and maybe lean on the transfer portal to keep their edge. Honestly, the next season’s probably going to reveal a lot about how well this group can roll with the punches.
Want more details on why these players left? You can read the full story here.
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