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Coming in at number 41 in the Blogger So Dear 2014 Player Countdown is RS sophomore Dominique Gibson. Gibson, who was recruited as a linebacker out of Glades Central HS in Belle Glade, Florida and switched to the safety position during his redshirt season. He was moved again to running back for the 2013 season with mixed results. While showing a lot of promise for a player who played some running back in high school but was predominantly lauded for his stellar defensive play, he ran for just 24 yards on 15 carries in the spring game. Last season he ran 53 times for 138 yards (2.6 yards/carry).
Gibson also had 87 receiving yards; the most memorable being the 44 yard reception against Miami. Given that this is now Gibson's second season as a tailback, the Deacs are hopeful he can be relied upon for more carries to spell Orville Reynolds.
With the running back position open to competition after last year's starter Josh Harris graduated, Gibson is expected to compete with Reynolds, James Ward, and incoming freshman Isaiah Robinson for the starting spot. However with rumors of an impending suspension for Gibson for a few games at the start of the year, Gibson comes in at the 41st spot rather than closer to the top 20 or 25 positions. A couple of outlets, sparked by Coach Clawson's comments at ACC media day earlier this week, have reported that Gibson is likely to be suspended for a few games at the start of the year for an unspecified violation of team rules.
If and when any more information comes out about Gibson's potential suspension, Blogger So Dear will provide insight into the matter. Until then though Deacon fans should be hopeful that Gibson comes back with a vengeance, if he is in fact suspended, to supplement an offense widely expected to struggle throughout the season.
At 5'10", 220 lbs, it would not be surprising to find Gibson is a force to be reckoned with out of the backfield who is difficult to bring to the ground. Let's hope Dom has a great 2014 season and establishes himself as a formidable running back for Clawson's offense.
As always, go Deacs and check back tomorrow as players 40 and 39 are released in the player countdown.