Gibson signs with Virginia

After a stellar career, Rabun County High School senior wide receiver Jaden Gibson signed his letter of intent to play collegiately at the University of Virginia on Wednesday, Dec. 21. 

Joined by family, coaches, teammates and school administrators, Gibson signed with the Atlantic Coast Conference school in the Fine Arts Building on Rabun County’s campus, overlooking Frank Snyder Memorial Stadium where Gibson set record after record during his time at RCHS.

“This is arguably the most decorated wide receiver ever in Georgia,” said RCHS head coach Michael Davis, who has spent the last two years coaching Gibson. “This is a dream come true for Jaden and we all couldn’t be more excited.”

Gibson, a three-star wide receiver, holds four career or season Georgia records, including being the only receiver to have over 5,000 career receiving yards. Gibson ends his high school gridiron career with 5,124 yards, breaking a record that stood for nearly 50 years.  

Gibson also has the second and third most receiving yards in a season, with 1,950 (set his senior year) and 1,878 (set his junior year). Gibson’s career touchdowns number is also tops in state history, with 59 receiving TDs. He is the only receiver in Georgia history to bring in more than 50 touchdowns.

Twenty-nine of those touchdown grabs came Gibson’s senior year, a record for receiving touchdowns in a season. 

Gibson also has seven career games with more than 200 receiving yards, the most in Georgia history, his best coming against region rival Elbert County on Oct. 14 of this year, with 285 yards. 

“Jaden is a relentless competitor,” Davis said during the ceremony. “He’s the hardest working kid I’ve ever met, always wanting to be better.

“He doesn’t lack confidence. I remember against St. Francis we needed a play. It was fourth down and we called a timeout. I didn’t know what to call. Jaden told me to call four verticals and to put him in the slot. As they broke the huddle, I heard Jaden say to [senior quarterback] Keegan, ‘just get me the ball and I’ll make a play.’”

Passing coordinator Wes Holcombe also spoke at the ceremony, tearing up as he detailed Gibson’s impact on his life and the county.

“This place wouldn’t be Rabun County without you,” Holcombe told Gibson who started his prep career at Dawson County before transferring to Rabun County for his junior and senior years.

“His belief is contagious, a 50/50 ball for him is about a 99/1 ball, he’s going to come down with it,” Holcombe said.

Gibson is a four-time All-Region player, as well as four-time All-State. He is a two-time MaxPreps All-American and BlitzGA’s Blitz Football Player of the Year. He also is the reigning Region Player of the Year. 

Gibson thanked his parents, Jason and Jennifer, for their belief. 

“Without you guys, I wouldn’t be here,” Gibson said as he hugged his parents. “Thank you to all my teammates, y’all made football fun.” 

Gibson, who plans to early enroll in January, said the moment he knew he was going to Virginia was during his official visit. Gibson, a projected honor graduate, said he has not decided whether his major will be either biology or business.

“Coach Tony Elliot spoke and just talked about his life, and that’s the moment I knew I wanted to play for this guy,” Gibson said. “I knew immediately after that conversation I was going to Virginia.”

Gibson ended the ceremony by thanking Rabun County.

“Thank you to the community. I’ll always be tied here,” Gibson said. “It’s the place where my dreams started to come true, so thank you for being a part of that.”