Former FSU star Gibson: 'I want to see them live the dream I lived'
MIAMI -- Miami Central's four consecutive state titles are a reflection of success, but the winning isn't enough.
Former Florida State star Derrick Gibson wants more. Gibson, a Central assistant, said he wants his players to not only play college football, but also use it to get a degree. From there, they have options going forward for the rest of their lives.
It's advice he has given to all of his former players, including Seminoles star tailback Dalvin Cook.
"I told Dalvin, stay up there and get your degree," Gibson told Warchant on Monday. "Even if you declare [for the NFL Draft] this year, make sure you get your degree first. That's what I hope he's able to do. I hope he takes my advice on that."
Gibson, who is in his sixth season as an assistant, is another tributary in the connection Central shares with Florida State.
FSU has four Central alums on its roster. There's Cook, defensive back Calvin Brewton, receiver Da'Vante Phillips and defensive tackle Fredrick Jones. FSU also has a commitment from 2019 running back James Cook, Dalvin's younger brother.
Phillips was visiting Central's practice on Monday while Brewton visited a few days earlier, Gibson said.
"I tell them all when they go to Tallahassee, it's going to be a different nature," Gibson said. "They have to stay focused. You have to know the purpose of why you're going up there to Tallahassee. You have to play football and get your education."
Gibson was a standout and USA Today All-American when he played at Miami Killian. The defensive back played four seasons for the Seminoles and helped the program claim its second national championship in 1999.
In 2001, he was drafted in the first round; he was selected with the 28th pick by the Oakland Raiders. A rover in college, he played safety with the Raiders and retired after the 2006 season.
"I just wanted to stay around the game and give back to the kids," Gibson said about why he got into coaching. "I want to see them live the dream that I lived. Going to a major college, playing in the NFL."
Gibson has played an instrumental role in Central's four consecutive titles and stresses there's no complacency.
The Rockets entered 2015 with question marks. They opened the season with a 24-point loss to national power DeMatha Catholic (Md.) on ESPN.
It was believed Central would relinquish its Class 6A crown. The Rockets finished the season 12-2 and crushed Seffner-Armwood, 48-13, in the state title game. It gave the Rockets their fourth straight championship and fifth in six seasons.
They're the third program in state history to win five titles in six years. Central is also the first Miami-Dade County school and third in Florida's history to reach six consecutive state championship games.
"Every year, you come out here and everybody says, 'Central's down, they're not going to do it this year,'" Gibson said of the Rockets, who are 78-8 over the last six years. "And we prove everybody wrong each and every year. That's our motivation."
While coaching at Central is Gibson's main focus, he does keep tabs on FSU.
In early April, he traveled to watch the Seminoles' spring game in Orlando.
"Offensively, I think at quarterback, we still don't know who's going to be that guy," Gibson said of the impending fall camp battle between Deondre Francois and Sean Maguire. "Defensively, I think we need some end rushers and linebacker play. But the secondary, I think, will be fine."
Any predictions for the season?
"I'll let you know after we play Ole Miss," Gibson said with a laugh. "I can't tell you right now. I'll let you know after Ole Miss."
* Also on the Tribal Council: Gibson shares his thoughts on Jalen Ramsey's NFL future
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