7 days ago
Who is new Penn State Recruit Adam McCann-Gibbs?
Kicking is certainly not the sexiest position when it comes to recruiting. After all, it's not necessarily going to garner the most headlines, especially if you're a blue-blood program such as Penn State. Especially if you're struggling to make headway in a certain recruiting cycle to boot. However, a unique unicorn of a kicker has recently committed to the Nittany brings along with him a unique story.
Adam McCann-Gibbs is not just unique because of his diverse origins. He is unique because he is already so well-rounded at a position that seems so simplistic. Not only is he the 22nd-ranked pure kicker in his class, but the 36th-ranked punter as well. It somehow makes you forget of the whole other side to his cult status completely.
You see, McCann-Gibbs isn't even in high school. At just 17 years old, no college scouts have even really seen him in game action. But that's not it. McCann-Gibbs does not even have the advantage of growing up in the US either. He was born in Northern Ireland, a country more well-known for rugby than anything else. Despite this minor setback, McCann-Gibbs has set himself apart from the pack through rigorous training and commitment to his craft.
Through Leader Kicking, a program set up through former rugby player Tadgh Leader, McCann-Gibbs has been able to showcase his skillset to a broader audience. For example, here is a clip of Gibbs booting over 70-yard punts at Leader's camp, proving his one-of-one talents.
Gibbs is certainly walking into a competitive environment in the Penn State kicking room. Ryan Barker, a sophomore with two more years of eligibility left, has the upper hand right now, having won the job last year. Freshman walk-on Matthew Parker is set to join the squad this fall. Gibbs may have more luck as a punter, as both Riley Thompson and Gabe Nwosu will be out of eligibility by the time he steps foot on campus.
Overall, the future is bright for young Gibbs. Don't be surprised that once he is a Nittany Lion, his intriguing skill set is put to good use.
