Lunney and academics key in offensive lineman's decision

Dumas offensive lineman Johnny Gibson.

Dumas offensive lineman Johnny Gibson credited Arkansas tight ends coach Barry Lunney Jr. helping him decide to walk on and be a Razorback.

“He talked to me about once every two weeks to let me know they they were still thinking about me,” Gibson said. “It felt great. I know there’s a lot of players in the country they’re looking at to help win the SEC. They bring a lot of recruits in and to be one of those they keep in contact with helped my decision.”

Gibson, 6-4, 320, 5.0 seconds in the 40, has all the physical tools needed to eventually earn a scholarship at some point. He turned down offers from Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, Arkansas-Monticello, Southern Arkansas and others. Video highlights CLICK HERE

He has a 3.837 grade point average and plans to major in electrical engineering.

“Arkansas has one of the top engineering schools,” Gibson said.

A three-sports athlete, Gibson throws the shot put and discus in track and field. He averages about 15 points and 9 rebounds a game in basketball.

“It definitely helps my footwork,” said Gibson of basketball. “I know I use basketball to play man defense that corresponds with my pass blocking by keeping the defender in front of me. I use my hands like a doing football too. If I keep them in front of me and basketball makes football way easier.”

He was one of the more impressive offensive linemen at Arkansas’ camp last summer. A year or two working under strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert will give Gibson the added strength and athleticism to compete for playing time.

“The main thing I believe I can bring to Arkansas is a great mind as well as a work ethic,” Gibson said. “I know I have to go up there and work hard and I think I can help other people as a great teammate to get better too.”