Mids lose DB Gibson to transfer

Navy sophomore defensive back BJ Gibson has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, according to 247 Sports and Rivals.

Gibson retweeted posts from both websites reporting he had entered the transfer portal, adding the message “4 years of eligibility!”

It is unclearwhetherthat is true since Gibson played in one game as a freshman in 2019 and five games this past season. At 6foot- 4, 209 pounds, Gibson was listed third on the depth chart at the bandit safety position behind Mitch West and Derek Atwaters but did not get intoNavy’s last four

games.

Defensive coordinator Brian Newberry said during the season that Gibson played bandit in Navy’s dime package. He primarily played special teams this season and did not record any statistics.

Gibson told The Capital late Monday his reason for transferring was “due to not being a fit for the academy and wanting to pursue my major which was not available at the academy.”

Gibson, who returned to the Naval Academy Monday to pack up all his belongings and process out, wants to major in business management. The Marietta, Georgia, native was considered one of the top prospects in Navy’s 2019 recruiting class. Hewas a two- time All- Region selection as a cornerback at GeorgeWalton Comprehensive School.

“BJ is bit of a unicorn because you don’t see many 6- foot- 4 cornerbacks. He’s a playmaker who picks off passes and blocks field goals,” Walton head coach Daniel Brunner told The Capital in February 2019. “BJ possesses tremendous physical attributes in terms of size and speed, but what might be more impressive is his football IQ. He just has a great understanding of the game.”

Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo praised assistant Robert Green for doing a superb job of recruiting Gibson, whose father is a graduate of ArmyWest Point.

Army aggressively pursued Gibson, who received a total of 10 scholarship offers with American Athletic Conference Schools Temple and South Florida among them. Brunner said Byron Gibson let the recruiting process play out and did not push his son toward his alma mater.

“I think it broke Byron’s heart a little, but I knowhe is veryhappy to see his son goto Annapolis,” hesaid.“BJwilldowell atNavy because he is in constant pursuit of excellence.”