My name is Camren Gibson, and I have played football as a quarterback for about 13 years. I also run track in the off-season. My main events are the 4x100 relay and 400 meter dash. As a dual-threat QB who enjoys running when possible, I stand six feet tall and weigh around 180 lbs. Throughout middle school and the beginning of high school, I played in a wing-T offense, never utilizing shotgun or spread formations.

 

In my freshman year, my high school team planned to transition from the wing-T to incorporate some shotgun packages, thanks in part to my strong throwing ability. Unfortunately, I broke my arm in the first game of the season. Despite this setback, I returned in week four to finish the season, playing with a cast wrapped in bubble wrap, which required creative play-action movements and mesh completions with the center. We fortunately ended up winning the district title for the first time in decades. Due to my injury, the team stuck with the wing-T for the rest of the season.

 

Entering my sophomore year, I was supposed to play on JV to get more reps. However, the varsity starter's shoulder injury led to my promotion to varsity. I quickly showcased my abilities and was moved to second-string QB. After the starter was diagnosed with a torn labrum and moved to linebacker, I became the varsity starter from week three onward. The team began transitioning to a pro-style offense, utilizing both under-center and shotgun formations. I played in all eight district games, narrowly missing the playoffs.

 

In my junior year, with a new offensive coordinator, the team fully transitioned to a spread offense. I became the starting QB midway through the season and led my team to the playoffs as the fourth seed in our district. Unfortunately, my playoff run was cut short due to an ACL tear in the second quarter. After this injury in our playoff game, I committed myself fully to the rehab process. I was cleared in just six months, which is the fastest timeline doctors typically approve for someone returning from ACL reconstruction. That recovery did not happen by luck. I woke up to work out at five in the morning, then rehabbed in the afternoon. Additionally, I had to learn my third offense in three years due to my OC taking a job else where. It took everything I had, both physically and mentally, and it taught me how to face adversity head-on. Despite being fully ready for my senior season, I did not play much. I was forced to compete with the athletic director/head coach’s son, which limited my opportunities. Although it was not the ending I had hoped for on the field, I continued to lead off the field, stayed prepared, and focused on my goals moving forward.