Jerrick Gibson, highest-rated running back recruit in 4 years, trims list to 12

IMG Academy (Florida) running back Jerrick Gibson is one of the nation's most electric playmakers.

In four games this season, the 5-foot-10, 197-pound athlete has rushed 46 times for 331 yards (7.2 yards per carry) and four touchdowns,

More important, Gibson is a five-star recruit and is considered the nation's No. 8 overall prospect and No. 1 running back in the class of 2024.

He's special - and the college football world knows it.

Gibson has already accumulated offers from most of the nation's top programs.

On Tuesday, however, the IMG Academy star trimmed his list down to a top 12 - Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Texas A&M:

So, just how special is Gibson? 

According to the 247Sports composite rankings, the last high school running back to be ranked as highly as Gibson (No. 8) was IMG Academy alum Trey Sanders in the class of 2019 (No. 6). 

In other words, even among elite backs Gibson is considered a rare and special talent.

Here's what 247Sports had to say, in part, about him as a prospect:

"The real deal. A youth football star that found success at various stops before settling into the RB1 role as a junior at IMG Academy. Explosive in almost everything he does and is fast enough to win his fair share of foot races out on the perimeter. By far one of the better route runners to come out of the Sunshine State in recent memory as he mixes gears well and uses a nice burst to shake linebackers and safeties before securing the football with above-average hands. Not one to go down at the first sign of contact – at least at the prep level – and usually is able to get out of trouble with his quick feet and loose hips. A bit of a slasher that can stack cut after cut once he gets past the initial wave of defenders. Tends to thrive on outside zone and toss plays. Will make defenses pay when counters are called, too. Has tested exceptionally well over the years and has a 4.5 laser-timed 40-yard dash on record as well as a near 41-inch vertical jump at roughly 5-foot-10, 200 pounds."

It's far too early to predict where he'll wind up, but the list of suitors just dropped considerably. 

Gibson is down to 12.

Sophomore season highlights