NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jack Gibbens, LB, Abilene Christian

Jack Gibbens Abilene Christian
Abilene Christian LB Jack Gibbens tallied 104 total tackles in 2019 and was named an Academic All-American. He recently sat down with Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Jack Gibbens
  • Height: 6’4”
  • Weight: 240 lbs
  • Position: LB
  • College: Abilene Christian University
  • Twitter: @johngibbens18

Tell us about your university/college. Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

ACU is a really small school, but it has some of the best people I have ever met. With football and school, I haven’t had much time for other organizations, but I have been able to be a part of a few Bible studies.   

How did you end up at Abilene Christian?

ACU was the only D1 program who took a chance on me coming out of high school and offered me a scholarship. It ended up being a huge blessing because I think it is exactly where I needed to be athletically, academically, and personally.  

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

I think my teammates would say my best quality is my work ethic and competitiveness. I play the game with an extremely high motor and will do whatever it takes to win.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I see myself as a strong leader who is willing to do whatever it takes to make my team successful. As far as schemes go I feel I have the size and ability to play inside or outside linebacker in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. I have always been in a primarily 4-3 or 4-2-5 scheme so I am most comfortable playing off the ball, but have had the opportunity to play as a stand up edge player in a few packages in college. This experience along with my length would help me if I were to move to an outside backer position in a 3-4.  

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

The best player I’ve played against was probably Michael Gallup.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Koy Richardson. He is extremely competitive and always brings energy and intensity to every practice, work out, or game.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

My high school recruitment was a difficult time for me because I wasn’t getting many opportunities but I really believed I could play at the division 1 level. I had to decide to bet on myself and come to ACU on a small scholarship and prove that I belonged here. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

I would say I am most proud of being selected as a team captain at ACU. Being selected by my teammates as captain means a lot to me because it shows that my hard work and commitment to my team doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m honored to have the opportunity to play with these guys and be looked at as a leader by my teammates. 

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

The most memorable play of my career so far was definitely against Sam Houston State my sophomore year. I got an interception on the last drive to secure our first win over Sam Houston State in 25 years.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

I played baseball all the way through High School so probably that.

What was your major/minor? Other than football, what would be your dream job?

I was a double major in Accounting and Finance in undergrad and am now working on my masters in Accounting. I think it would be cool to be a sports agent or work in a front office. 

What have you been working on in the off-season?

This off season I have been focusing on increasing my flexibility and explosiveness. Also, getting more confident for me second year in our new defensive scheme to help me teach younger guys and be able to trust my instincts and play faster on the field.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

My favorite team is definitely the Dallas Cowboys. The linebacker I look up to the most is probably Ray Lewis. He is an incredible leader and played with incredible physicality and passion. I have tried to emulate that in my game. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Do you have any secret talents?

I love doing anything outdoors whether it is sports or fishing/hunting. I have also recently started learning how to play the guitar. 

Why do you play football?

I have been playing football since I was 4 or 5 years old, and I truly love this game. There is no other sport that gives you the opportunity to form a brotherhood with your teammates like football does. 

Who or what motivates you the most?

My parents are my biggest motivators. They have worked so hard and sacrificed so much for me and my siblings to be able to do what we love. I am also extremely competitive and I want to win at everything I do. 

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