Dylan Gibbs is a class of 2021 recruit that plays for Destrehan High School in Destrehan, La. The 6’ 220 pound linebacker was a nightmare for quarterbacks last season, playing both inside linebacker and outside linebacker rushing off the edge. Gibbs has a quick first step off the ball, and excellent read and react skills. His acceleration has allowed him to block several kick after attempts and field goals as well. Dylan has a 465 pound squat, 325 pound clean and 315 pound bench press. He currently has a 4.0 GPA and a 23 ACT.
When did you start playing football?
I started really when I was five year old, my parents got me involved as soon as possible. I just had a natural attraction to the game ever since. I played in the Destrehan Booster Club league every year, and looked forward to it every single year.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I played just about every sport there was. I played soccer, baseball, basketball I kept myself pretty occupied. We always believed that sports is a pretty good thing for you. So, year round I was involved in something.
Now, was football your first love, or did you play something before football?
Football was absolutely my first love! That and baseball, then football really took over once I really got to middle school. It became my passion.
Are you still playing baseball, and basketball?
No, I’ve dropped those and I’ve started doing track and I wrestle. I’m on the wrestling team, and I wrestle in the 220 pound weight class, and I throw the discus for track. It was my first year wrestling, I didn’t win a lot, but I had fun and I learned a lot.
Did you always play linebacker or did you play any other positions?
I played running back and linebacker. I think linebacker became my main position once I got to middle school.
What were your top three goals of last season?
I wanted to make a name for myself, I missed my sophomore season due to a torn labrum. So, I wanted to show that I belonged out there. I wanted to be a leader, lead in the locker room, and lead by example. Finally strive for perfection, even though it cannot be achieved. I know I had a lot to make up if I wanted to continue onto the next level. So I worked pretty hard at being as perfect as I possibly could.
Did you achieve all those goals?
I’d like to say to some degree I did. I’m not satisfied, obviously. I’d like to think I created a name for myself, I definitely emerged as a leader on my team. I’m still striving for that perfection thing though.
Who would you say some of your biggest influences are?
Oh it’s got to be my parents, they definitely keep me motivated. They let me know that if I want it, I can go get it, and if I put in the work, the rewards will come. It is just a matter of putting in the work, the harder I work, the more success will come.
Who would you say your favorite NFL player is?
It’s got to be Luke Kuechly. I love the way he prepares, his style of play. It’s something I try and mimic. He is easily one of my favorite guys to watch. I love watching his highlights, it was sad when he retired. I really enjoy him.
What would you say is a strength in your game play?
My intensity, my game planning and preparation and I think that helps a lot. Because, I can recognize what play is going to be run out of that formation and I can get to that spot before they do. So I would like to say my film study, my intensity, and my aggression they all work together.
If you weren’t playing football, what sport do you think you would be playing?
Probably something in like wrestling or fighting sport. I really like watching UFC, and wrestling is pretty fun, so something like that. I’d definitely get involved in baseball or something like that as well.
Going back to striving for perfection, what is your ideal game day performance number on a scale of 1-10?
You have to say 10, right? You have to go out there and know that you put it all on the line. It’s impossible to be perfect, but that’s what I strive for every single game. I try to go out there, no excuses or anything. I try to do everything right. I led my team right in all areas. Yeah, it’s got to be a ten.
At the end of this year, what would you want your coaches and teammates to say about you?
That this guy was a great leader. That he was a great role model that he was a great guy to mimic. That this guy was just a really good role model.
