Gibson signs with Ouachita Baptist
ARKADELPHIA – Three weeks after making a verbal commitment to Ouachita Baptist, Junction City’s Dhante Gibson made it official by signing with the Tigers on Wednesday.
Gibson, who was the MVP of the 2A state championship game, rushed for 1,742 yards and 24 touchdowns, averaging 7.8 yards per carry.
But it is on defense where he will play in college.
As a safety for the Dragons, Gibson made 34 tackles, including six for a loss with two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a blocked punt.
He was also named the 2A Player of the Year by the Little Rock Touchdown Club.
Now Gibson heads to Ouachita Baptist, who is coming off of a historic 12-1 season, and added 39 recruits on signing day.
The Tigers focused the recruiting class on finding guys who can bring the Tigers another Great American Conference championship and continue deep playoff runs.
Out of the 39 athletes committing to Ouachita Baptist, 20 were All-Conference sections and 11 of those were All-State.
"Two groups of people should be credited for the success in signing the class,” OBU coach Todd Knight said of the recruiting class.
“It starts with coach (Brett) Shockley and his leadership in the recruiting efforts is vital. Also, our staff working tirelessly to bring in the right young men in to fit our
program. The other group is our team investing in the recruiting process and understanding that it is the lifeblood of the program. Our student athletes did a great job of showing why we have been successful. The importance of a Ouachita degree and playing in a great culture is one of the greatest recruiting tools we have."
The Tigers also dominated the state of Arkansas bringing in 28 recruits from within the state lines. They also added six players from Texas, two from Louisiana and one from Tennessee.
On the defensive side the Tigers added six defensive backs and six defensive linemen. They also added five linebackers to the mix as the Tigers bring back one of the toughest defenses in the nation.
"One of our main objectives defensively was adding depth and athleticism on the defensive line by bring in several guys that can play immediately. We also added defensive skill players that could have an immediate impact," Knight said on the defensive recruits.
On the offensive side OBU adds six wide receivers to replace a slew of senior receivers.
They also add three quarterbacks and five offensive linemen to a Tigers offense that was dominant on the ground last season. To round out the ground game, the Tigers added a tight end and a running back.
"Going into the recruiting period, wide receiver was a main priority of our staff. We have added multiple players whose length and speed bolstered the position for us. These guys that are coming in have the opportunity to make an immediate impact," Knight said of the offensive recruits.
"As a whole this class helps solidify our team in all three phases. We could not have asked for a more well-rounded signing class.”
The Tigers are currently in the midst of off season workouts as they gear up to make a run at an unprecedented three-peat of the Great American Conference championship.