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Tennessee CB Rickey Gibson on field for first day of spring football practice
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- Tennessee CB Rickey Gibson on field for first day of spring football practice
Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson doesn't look like he's headed to the transfer portal.
On Friday, Gibson was on the field and in uniform when UT kicked off spring practice.
It was a welcomed sight for the Vols following a report that Gibson planned to enter the portal .
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During the practice periods open to media, Gibson appeared as if his situation was normal. He went through drills with defensive backs and sometimes instructed younger players as a returning starter.
Gibson started 12 games as a sophomore in 2024. He had 32 tackles, two tackles for loss, five pass breakups and one forced fumble while playing opposite All-America cornerback Jermod McCoy .
But Gibson's value increased after McCoy tore his ACL in January. McCoy was on a stationary bike on the side of the indoor field during practice.
On Feb. 25, On3.com reported that Gibson told the outlet that he planned to enter the portal. Gibson was not quoted in the report, but it appeared to stem from a negotiation over NIL compensation.
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NIL compensation is not released to the public because it's paid to players by a third party rather than the university.
There's no indication whether Gibson and UT have reached an agreement. The portal opens April 16, four days after UT's spring practice ends. But Gibson has continued participating in offseason workouts, and his participation in spring practice is good news for the Vols.
UT still needs more depth at cornerback, especially while McCoy recovers from his injury. Jordan Matthews transferred to Vanderbilt in January. That leaves Jalen McMurray and Kaleb Beasley among the next cornerbacks on the depth chart.
UT could consider adding a cornerback from the portal. But that could depend on the progress of young cornerbacks in spring practice and whether Gibson remains on the roster for the 2025 season.
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For now, Gibson is on the roster and on the field for the Vols.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com . X, formerly known as Twitter @AdamSparks . Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe .
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee CB Rickey Gibson on field for first day of spring practice
