Former SP Eagles standout now starring at Marian

Marian University redshirt freshman Rob Gibson (left) carries the ball for the Knights during Saturday's game. (Courtesy photo/Marian University)

Rob Gibson led the Eagles to their last sectional championship in 2011, and on Saturday the redshirt freshman led his Marian University team to a win against Taylor in double overtime.

Gibson scored the game-winning touchdown, a 13-yard run on inside-zone called to the left.

He joked that while he'll take the win, edging out a victory in double-overtime was a little more nerve-wrecking than he prefers.

Gibson and junior Tevin Lake combined for 116 yards rushing in the win.

"We run a lot of two-back sets with me and Tevin Lake, he's our All-American back," Gibson said. "He made the same read I did and saw the hole on the right side. He bounced to the other side of the field and I just followed him all the way to the end zone."

Gibson had seven carries for 49 yards in the game and added 72 return yards.

He now has 31 carries for 229 yards and four touchdowns this season after redshirting last year to rest from lingering injuries. Gibson is also the team's leading punt returner and kick returner, ranking in the top five in the NAIA in net return yardage.

Gibson said playing every down of offense and defense in high school gave him little opportunity to gain experience on special teams, but when the coaches asked him about taking on that role this summer, he embraced it.

Besides, not playing last season and now only playing on one side of the ball has left him looking for every chance he can to get on the field.

"Playing as much as I did in high school, it's kind of nice just playing offense," he said. "I kind of get a chance to actually watch football, which is different."

Gibson has spent a few games on the South Putnam sideline during games this season, but he'll miss this week because the Knights have a game at Concordia (Mich.) the next day.

He had some advice for his old team as they prepare to take on Indianapolis Lutheran in the sectional championship game this Friday.

"Don't get caught up in what the other team does, just play their game and listen coach Burgess and coach Aker, they know what they're doing," he said.

The Knights (5-3) take on Concordia University on Saturday at 1 p.m.