Tag: Jardin Gilbert

Texas A&M 2023 college football season countdown: No. 20 Jardin Gilbert

Junior free safety Jardin Gilbert proved solid in his first season as a starter in 2022, and he returns to lead a talented backend unit for Texas A&M in the fall.

Fear not, Aggie fans, meaningful college football is just around the corner, with the start of the 2023 season under a month away! Here at Aggies Wire, we’ll be counting down by looking at each Texas A&M football player that corresponds to the number of days left till the start of the football season.

With 20 days until kickoff, we’re looking at No. 20 for the Maroon and White: junior free safety Jardin Gilbert.

Gilbert returns to Aggieland in 2023 after making the most of his first starting opportunity last season. In 2022, the junior recorded 61 tackles, two interceptions, and four pass breakups as he helped Texas A&M’s secondary onto a stellar campaign in pass defense. Last year, the Aggies allowed just 162.1 passing yards per game, which was the best mark in the SEC and second-best in the country.

Now with the departures of Antonio Johnson and Jaylon Jones, Gilbert’s experience alongside senior strong safety Demani Richardson will be counted on heavily to ensure this group doesn’t miss a beat in 2023. For reference, sophomore and rising star Bryce Anderson will likely take over the nickel spot that was left void by Johnson, but of course, Anderson still has plenty to learn in year two.

That is where Gilbert’s leadership, both on the field and on the sidelines as a mentor, will make him a core component of success on the defensive side of the ball. The junior proved solid in his first season as a starter in pass coverage and reportedly spent the bulk of the spring improving his skills versus the run. That development, coupled with the return of Richardson and the rising status of Anderson, should mean the Aggies’ backend unit will be in very good hands for 2023.

Jardin Gilbert’s Photo Gallery;

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Texas A&M Football 2023 Position Preview: Safeties; a deep and talented group

Texas A&M’s safety depth is one of the many strengths within the Aggies roster, led by senior strong safety Demani Richardson.

Texas A&M kicks off the 2023 college football season in just 50 short days, and while the offseason is nearing its conclusion sooner than later, it’s time to preview what Jimbo Fisher and his staff will be working with from a roster perspective, starting one Safety; of the deepest and most experienced groups the country,

Returning production: Senior strong safety Demani Richardson will return for his fifth and final season in Aggieland after using his Covid year, coming off of yet another productive 2022 season, recording a career-high 73 tackles and five PBUs; he is not only looking to increase his NFL Draft status for 2024 but do everything in his power to aid the Aggies in rebounding from their disappointing 5-7 2022 campaign.

Junior free safety Jardin Gilbert, who ascended on the scene during his first season as a starter, recorded 61 tackles, two interceptions, and four PBUs in 2022. Expect big things from Gilbert in Year 3.

The Sophomore duo of former 2022 four-star prospects Jacoby Matthews (25 tackles, 15 solo) and Jarred Kerr (22 tackles, 15 solo, one sack) make up most of the safety depth after both produced when their names were called in big moments last season. After a minor offseason hiccup, Matthews is ready to pick up where he left off as a free safety depth piece, while the speedy Kerr will likely be utilized as a third-down blitzing option.

Departures: Former Texas A&M safety/nickel corner Antonio Johnson, who was drafted in the 5th-round of the 2023 NFL Draft to the Jacksonville Jaguars, is truly the only loss the Aggies have incurred at the position this offseason, and even though his notable length and versatility will be missed, the Aggies are in very good hands for 2023.

Final Observation: Texas A&M’s defense ranked first in the country in passing yards allowed at 156.2 yards per game last season, primarily due to Demani Richardson and Jardin Gilbert’s consistent effort combined with a defensive back group that will also experience limited attrition going into next season. For those wondering, sophomore defensive back Bryce Anderson will likely take over the nickel corner spot, replacing Antonio Johnson.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

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Texas A&M’s safety group has a nice mix of experience and breakout potential heading into 2023

Texas A&M’s safety unit possesses a nice mix of veteran experience and star potential, led by two returning starters with one breakout candidate to keep an eye on.

With spring football in the rearview mirror, it leaves ample time to dissect what appears to be one of the stronger units on the Texas A&M roster in their safety group.

Headling the backend unit for the Aggies are two experienced starters in Demani Richardson and Jardin Gilbert. Richardson returns for his fifth season while Gilbert heads back for his third, and the fact that both have improved year-over-year should spell great things for this unit in 2023.

Richardson has gotten better in coverage over the last few seasons and was graded 66.4 in coverage per PFF (393rd out of all safeties). He’s fine-tuned his ability to see plays as they develop and anticipate routes for pass breakups. Gilbert has improved his tackling and feels primed to make a leap in run support after being graded 43.9 in run defense by PFF in 2022.

Perhaps the biggest x-factor of this unit is sophomore Bryce Anderson, who many coaches and observers noted was one of the best performers during the Aggies 2023 spring football program. That consensus belief seems justified as he was named one of the team’s defensive MVPs during the Maroon and White game.

Anderson was rated as a four-star coming out of high school and already has a bevy of experience underneath him after logging snaps as a backup last year, as well as on special teams.

He’s currently slotted in as a nickel corner, which means he’ll likely fill the void left by Antonio Johnson. The fit makes sense as he should thrive with his physicality and athleticism, but don’t rule out a possible shift to one of the safety spots in the near future. If there was one name in this unit to keep an eye out for a potential breakout season, it’s Anderson.

When it’s all said and done, there’s a chance he could lend just as great of an impact as Johnson did before him.

Outside of the aforementioned names, it gets a bit spotty when it comes to safety depth. Granted, that’s to be expected when you have a handful of younger players that are bound to face a learning curve. Jacoby Matthews has size but was in and out of spring ball. Jared Kerr was also a bit banged up, and the playing time for Bobby Taylor remains to be seen. He did enter, then exit, the transfer portal just recently, so perhaps more snaps on the field is in the near future for him.

Jimbo Fisher could very well round out this unit with additional depth via the transfer portal, but as the group currently stands they have a nice blend of veteran experience, coupled with a potential breakout star, that should put a stamp on the impending 2023 season.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee

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Texas A&M Spring Football 2023: Safety position breakdown

After losing a key contributor to the 2023 NFL Draft, we break down the state of the safety position group for the Aggies next season.

Spring football for Texas A&M is well underway, which means it’s every fan’s obligation to parse through the depth chart ahead of what will be an important 2023 season. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered by breaking down each positional battle, and up next is taking a look at the safety group.

For all the faults and frustrations of a year ago, this position proved to be one of the more brighter spots of the Aggies’ 2022 campaign. The secondary unit allowed the fewest opponent passing yards per game in the FBS (156.2) and the play of the safeties was a vital factor.

Thanks to the placement of the safeties and corners, A&M allowed just five plays of 30 or more yards through the air in 2022. Much of that production comes back next season, but the departure of Antonio Johnson, who declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, will be felt nonetheless.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at how the current safety group is shaping up for the Aggies:

Returners (2022 season stats)

  • SS Senior Demani Richardson (12 games, 73 total tackles, 5 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble)
  • SS Redshirt Freshman Bobby Taylor
  • FS Junior Jardin Gilbert (11 games, 61 total tackles, 4 pass breakups, 2 interceptions)
  • FS Sophomore Jacoby Mathews (10 games, 25 total tackles, 3 pass breakups)

Departures

  • Junior Antonio Johnson (declared for the 2023 NFL Draft)

While there are a number of position groups to have qualms or uncertainties about, the safety unit is one to feel confident in, which is okay for Aggies fans! This group is welcoming back a handful of veteran players, with Richardson coming back with the most experience at strong safety. Additionally, Gilbert is a three-year player and a two-year starter, so don’t expect any growing pains from him. Mathews closed out last year strong and feels more than capable of playing the role of that third safety.

The question lies in replacing the production, and presence, of Antonio Johnson, whose physicality and versatility provided another layer to this backend unit. As we saw last year, Johnson lined up at a multitude of positions from playing as a nickel corner, to a split zone safety, and even at times coming in as linebacker.

Do the Aggies currently have anyone capable of replicating that same type of impact?

Bryce Anderson and Jared Kerr give A&M more than capable options and the truth of the matter is that perhaps the Aggies don’t need an immediate replacement for Johnson. So long as their two experienced safeties in Richardson and Gilbert hold up, there’s no reason to believe this unit’s production can’t remain consistent in 2023.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee

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Jardin Gilbert selected to PFF College defensive team of the week

Jardin Gilbert selected to PFF College defensive team of the week

Sophomore defensive back (safety), Jardin Gilbert, was selected to the Week 6 PFF College Defensive Team of the Week following the Aggies’ 24-20 defeat at, now, No. 3 Alabama (No. 1 in the AFCA Coaches Poll).

Throughout the Aggies’ gutsy effort – fueled by four takeaways, two Crimson Tide missed field goals, and a tough performance by Haynes King – Gilbert totaled a career-high 9 tackles (7 solo), one tackle for loss, one pass defense and a second quarter interception of Jalen Milroe. Gilbert’s interception was the Aggies’ third take-away of the night and took place on the ensuing drive after the Aggies knotted up the score 14-14. The many Crimson Tide miscues gave the Aggies a shot at their second consecutive upset of, then, No. 1 Alabama on the final play, at the Alabama two-yard line, with triple zeros on the clock.

Expect more dominant performances from Gilbert moving forward.

Gilbert’s 2022 season statistics include 41 tackles (24 solo), two interceptions and three passes defended.

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Monday Press Conference: select players speak after Week 1 victory

Monday Press Conference: select players speak after Week 1 victory

Texas A&M opened their 2022 season against Sam Houston State at Kyle Field, defeating the Bearkats 31-0 in a game that lasted almost 6 hours due to an extensive weather delay during halftime. On Monday, head coach Jimbo Fisher and a select group of players reflected on the win and answered questions regarding their upcoming Week 2 matchup against the Appalachian State Mountaineers.

The Aggies were one of several SEC teams who pitched a shutout to open their season, showing that even with the departure of former defensive coordinator Mike Elko (now the head coach at Duke University), current defensive coordinator D.J Durkin has seemed to make a smooth transition so far in the role while taking clear advantage of the wide array of talent and experience in the defensive line and defensive back rooms.

On offense, led by starting quarterback Haynes King, the outside calls for more explosive chunk plays in the passing game were answered, as King proceeded to throw 3 touchdowns for 66, 63, and 43 yards, with senior wide receiver Ainias Smith on the receiving end of two of them.

Now, here are some of the most notable quotes from Jardin Gilbert, Isaiah Raikes, and Yulkeith Brown.

Texas A&M Player Profiles: Defensive Back, Jardin Gilbert

Texas A&M Player Profiles: Defensive Back, Jardin Gilbert

Going into the 2022 football season, Aggies Wire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas A&M roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Jimbo Fisher this season.

Jardin Gilbert started his career with Texas A&M during the 2021 season playing mostly as a reserve-free safety, backing up now NFL-bound Leon O’Neal. Prior to joining the Aggies, Gilbert endured a lucrative playing career at University Lab High School, spending time on both offense and defense, and competing as a two-sport athlete while also participating in Basketball. During his 2021 freshman season, Gilbert appeared in all 12 games during the season, recording 14 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 1 pass break up during the year. Gilbert had his biggest game against South Carolina while recording 5 tackles, and began to show his potential at the free safety position while knowing his role would be larger going into the 2022 season with Leon O’Neal’s departure to the NFL.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: White Castle, Louisiana

Height: 6-1

Weight: 185lbs

247Sports Composite Ranking

Class in 2021: 4-Star ranked player, 9th ranked player in Louisiana, 18th ranked safety in the country

Career Stats

Year G Tkl Int PBU
2021 12 14 0 1

PFF Rankings (Team Rankings)

Year Defense Tackling Coverage
2021 65.4 46.6 73.2

Depth Chart Overview

Jardin Gilbert is listed as the starting Free Safety in Jimbo Fisher’s 4-2-5 defensive scheme and coached by Defensive Coordinator D.J. Durkin, playing alongside starting Strong Safety Demani Richardson (Senior), and the cornerback rotation of Jaylon Jones (Junior), Tyreek Chappell (Sophomore), and Myles Jones (Grad Student). Gilbert is a long athlete with a solid frame, and because of his experience as a wide receiver during his high school playing days, he has the natural ball skills to become a legitimate turnover threat as he keeps developing at the position. He is a great run defender who tackles well consistently and has good downhill speed that aids in run defense. Going into his first season as the presumed starter, Gilbert looks to take the next step at the position, with plenty of natural talent to aid him during the learning process.

Players’ Photo Gallery

Sep 18, 2021; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Jardin Gilbert (20) in action during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the New Mexico Lobos at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Jardin Gilbert (20) tackles South Carolina Gamecocks running back ZaQuandre White (11) during the third quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

 

Oklahoma makes three-star safety Jardin Gilbert’s top-five

Oklahoma has made three-star safety Jardin Gilbert’s list of final five schools

Oklahoma has made three-star safety Jardin Gilbert’s list of final five schools.

The 6-foot-2, 175-pound product out of White Castle Louisiana has Alabama, Mississippi State, Southern University and Texas A&M among his other choices. He has 27 total offers, and cut Auburn, Baylor, Florida State, Georgia, Memphis, Notre Dame, Mississippi and Texas out of his new list.

Second-year defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has already nabbed nine defensive recruits in the 2021 class, an obvious priority for the Sooners. Three are defensive backs, and ATH Caleb Johnson will more than likely joins the ranks of the secondary in Norman.

Oklahoma currently holds the No. 15 class in the country according to Rivals.

No. 1 overall QB Caleb Williams and No. 2 overall WR Mario Williams boost that rankings tremendously. The Sooners also have three four-stars in DB Latrell McCutchin, LB Clayton Smith and WR Cody Jackson.

Williams is adamant about brining more talent to Oklahoma, and has been in contact with several other recruits about joining the Sooners.