Saevion Gibbs signs with Johnson C. Smith University
Owen senior to continue football career in Charlotte
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
Saevion Gibbs heads to Charlotte to continue his football career at Johnson C. Smith University.
The high school football career of Saevion Gibbs spanned a large the eastern and southern boundaries of Buncombe County, bookended by seasons at Owen High School with a two-year stint at Christ School in between. The next chapter will be written in Charlotte.
Surrounded by family, friends, coaches and teammates on March 2, the Owen senior officially signed to play football for Johnson C. Smith University. The 6-foot-3, 325-pound Gibbs, who played offensive and defensive line throughout his high school career, will line up at defensive tackle for the Golden Bulls.
“It’s been my goal to earn a scholarship to play the sport I love to play since I started playing football,” Gibbs said after dozens of people gathered in the gym to watch him make his official commitment. “My dream came true and it feels great.”
Gibbs started all 10 games for the Warhorses as a freshman in 2016, recording 54 tackles and a sack. He transferred to Christ School prior to his sophomore year and played two seasons for the Greenies before returning to Owen.
As a senior, Gibbs helped lead Owen to a 7-5 record and a trip to the second round of the NCHSAA State Playoffs with 92 tackles and 24 tackles for a loss.
“Everybody thought I was making a bad decision to come back,” he said of his return to the school where he began his high school career. “I believed I could get where I needed to be regardless of what color jersey I was wearing. It felt great to come back here and for us to prove people wrong.”
While Gibbs performance on the field was remarkable, Warhorse Head Coach Nathan Padgett said, his leadership, both on and off of it, had a major impact on the team.
“His character and integrity make him a natural leader,” the coach said. “He was like another coach for us, on the field, and he brought so much energy to our practices and games. Johnson C. Smith is getting a special player and person.”
The Golden Bulls are a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, where Gibbs’ older brother Sidney earned second team all-conference honors following his freshman season at running back for Shaw University. Sidney began his high school football career at Owen before transferring to Christ School, where he graduated in 2018.
Saevion Gibbs is surrounded by friends and family in the gym at Owen High School, March 2, as he signed to play football for Johnson C. Smith University.
Sidney Gibbs joins his mother and grandmother through video chat, March 2, as his younger brother Saevion signs to play football at Johnson C. Smith University.
Sidney and Saevion will face off against one another for the first time in their respective football careers.
“The first time they play against each other will be Sidney’s homecoming,” their mother said following Saevion’s signing. “I feel like I’m going to have to split myself in half. I’m going to be nervous, but I’m so proud of both of them.”
Sidney joined his family, via video chat, for Saevion’s signing ceremony. The younger Gibbs is excited to compete against his older brother.
“When we put those pads on, we’re going to war,” said Saevion, who received seven scholarship offers before choosing Johnson C. Smith. “I can’t wait.”