By Ebony Carrington of Oowee Sports Nation
Team: TeamGrind (7-on-7 league)
Position(s): Defensive Back
Team #: 2
School: Terry Middle School (Mesquite)
Age: 14
Grade: Eighth
Three generations of Gilbert men have strapped on shoulder and rib pads, laced up cleats and put on a helmet in an effort to achieve greatness on the gridiron — the latest generation will be no different.
Eighth grader Ryan “Deuce” Gilbert II is the new generation, and his goal is to be better than his dad (a former University of Houston and Louisiana State University football player), make his own mark and earn a division 1 football scholarship.
“Since my family has a lot of history [both mom and dad side] in the football game, it makes me very proud and confident that I’ll have a chance to be successful,” the 14-year-old said. “Football chose me.”
Gilbert considers himself a pretty quiet person, but when on the field, he describes coming out of his shell. As an all-around athlete, (also playing basketball and running track) Gilbert is adaptable and has rotated as both defensive back (DB) and quarterback (QB) in football, though he prefers defense. As a DB, he has to be fast, versatile and aware of what’s around him and his team. He feels he dominates as a leader when playing DB, but hopes to gain more confidence and develop as a DB and wide receiver (WR).
“I’d like to be in the position to be on the varsity team by my sophomore year and receive my first college offer by then as well,” he said.
Gilbert plays on TeamGrind (Dallas) 7-on-7 league team, which gives him the opportunity to stay in shape and condition for the upcoming football season.
Gilbert led the Terry Middle School Tigers (Mesquite) football team (as QB) to a title as district champions, 8-0 record. He is gearing up for track season where he hopes to gain another district winning title as the 400-meter run district champion.
His current top D1 college picks are Oklahoma University, Baylor University, University of Alabama and (like his dad) Louisiana State University and University of Houston.
“I look to my dad for inspiration because he’s played in the game and knows what it takes to get to where I’m trying to go,” Gilbert said. “Best piece of advice I’ve received is to get better every single day and learn from your wins and losses.”
You can follow Ryan “Deuce” Gilbert II on Oowee Sports Nation as he continues on his path to football success.