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DEL.ICIO.USGibson trying to catch on
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Flowery Branch — Fred Gibson glided into the end zone on a downfield passing drill Sunday as easily as the ball thrown by D.J. Shockley dropped into his hands. Perfect timing, all around.
And Gibson held on. Defender beaten. Touchdown. No signs of Gators anywhere.
His motor couldn’t stop revving, though, as he scuttled up a small hill toward the observation bleachers before smoothly putting on the brakes inches from the metal.
“Woooooooooooooo!” Gibson blared out, just like it was old times in Athens.
Ever since he left the Georgia Bulldogs following the 2004 season, Gibson has been looking for a football home. After his play at the three day Falcons minicamp, he’s got some reason to believe he could find one here.
He’s been one of the more notable surprises coming out of the camp, although he’s vying for a roster spot at a crowded position. It’s a talented, speedy group of receivers (some of whom share his penchant for ill-timed drops) but he feels he’s as prepared as he has ever been for such a chance. His best shot, he believes, is to win a place on special teams.
“I just take every day very seriously,” said Gibson, who was released by the Miami Dolphins in February after spending two seasons there on the practice squad. “I’ve been making big plays.”
There’s quite an array of big-play talent already on hand, especially with the addition of veteran Joe Horn. Michael Jenkins, Roddy White and Adam Jennings return from last season, draftee Laurent Robinson is a keeper, and Brian Finneran is back after missing last season with a knee injury.
Gibson knows the numbers are against him at that position, so “I have to stand out on special teams. I’ve got to fit in wherever I can fit in. Just showing up every day, making plays, that’s what I’ve got to do.”
His situation is a big comedown after being drafted in the fourth round by the Steelers in 2005 and signed to a three-year contract as a possible replacement for Plaxico Burress. But Gibson was released in training camp as Pittsburgh — which would win the Super Bowl that season — was generally unimpressed.
He didn’t get on the field for the Dolphins in the two seasons he was there during the Nick Saban regime, but said staying in an NFL environment kept him sharp. And encouraged.
“There’s such a big difference between college and pro, no doubt about it,” he said. “It’s totally different. I think I understand that a lot better now.”
He’s one of seven former Bulldogs attending the minicamp, and getting to hook up with Shockley was sweet.”In the huddle, D.J. just gave me the eye,” Gibson said.
Even sweeter would be sticking around.
“I’m sure the fans would love to see number 82 again at the Georgia Dome.”
Comments
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By RONNIE
May 14, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
I would to see #82 on the field for the falcons, this year and let the fans see what he can do.And the two seasons with the Dolphins,i think he got a bad dill there. What do you think!