The Gophers will gain some much-needed experience at linebacker in 2021.
Gophers gain experienced FCS linebacker Jack Gibbens
Gibbens could lend some veteran stability to the Gophers' young defense in 2021.
December 5, 2020 at 1:42AM
Jack Gibbens, a Bulverde, Texas, native, recently completed his senior season at FCS program Abilene Christian and entered the NCAA transfer portal back on Nov. 24. His former team went 1-5 this season with two canceled games.
Gibbens, 6-4, 240 pounds, led Abilene Christian with 49 tackles, including 4.5 for a loss and two sacks in 2020. He also made an interception, forced two fumbles, recovered a fumble and made two quarterback pressures. Gibbens has played in nearly every game through his four-year career, including all 12 last season when he made 104 tackles.
With the NCAA granting all athletes an extra year of eligibility because of COVID-19, Gibbens should be a scholarship grad transfer with plans to join the Gophers in January. He could help a young Gophers' defense that has struggled this year, averaging more than 456 allowed offensive yards per game.
Eric Jagers worked for the Fire Department for 24 years until his retirement in February 2023.
