Recently, the Texas football program saw the unexpected departures of sophomore running back Jerrick Gibson and senior kicker Will Stone, each leaving with half of the regular season still ahead. Coach Steve Sarkisian shed light on their decisions, indicating that both players aimed to preserve their eligibility through redshirting and transferring.
Sarkisian explained, “One happened to be a senior who hadn’t redshirted, and so he’s trying to preserve a redshirt year. One is a true sophomore that played as a true freshman that’s trying to preserve three years of eligibility. I understand all that.” He referred to their exits as “essentially opting out,” acknowledging the personal motivations behind their choices and expressing gratitude for their contributions to the team.
Will Stone has spent the majority of his time with Texas primarily handling kickoffs, having stepped into the placekicking role sparingly last season, where he successfully converted both extra point attempts as a backup to Bert Auburn. His departure is particularly surprising, considering he hails from Austin and attended high school just 20 minutes from the Longhorns’ home stadium.
On the other hand, Jerrick Gibson has been part of a formidable running back lineup, often competing for playing time against stars like Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue. This season marked a shift for Gibson, who became the RB2, showcasing his skills and recording the second-most rushing yards among the team’s running backs. Over his time with the Longhorns, he accumulated 529 yards on 111 carries and five touchdowns while contributing as a reliable short-yardage back.
Both players, by choosing to leave, are aiming to set themselves up for future opportunities, reflecting a strategic approach to their college careers. Their departures may also open doors for other players on the team to step into more prominent roles as the Longhorns continue their season.