Miami football four-star WR prospect Jayden Gibson shines at The Opening

Four-star wide receiver Jayden Gibson who named the Miami football program as one of his eight finalists on Wednesday excelled at The Opening during the July 4 weekend. Gibson was one of three WRs named to the “The 2021 Opening Finals 7on7 Dream Team.” by Andrew Ivins of 247Sports.Com.

Gibson is a major prospect in the 2022 Miami recruiting class. At 6’4, 185 pounds, Gibson has the length Miami head coach Manny Diaz and his coaching staff covets. In addition to Miami, Gibson named Auburn, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee as finalists.

Gibson was the third prospect to name the Miami football program as a finalist on Wednesday. Cornerbacks Chris Graves and Tequon Fegans also put Miami among their finalists on Wednesday. Miami currently only has commitments from four-stars, quarterback Jacurri Brown and CB Khamauri Rogers and three-star WR Landon Ibieta.

Gibson showed the ability to use his length to make plays at The Opening. Miami has lacked WRs in recent seasons with the ability who can win contested plays in the air. Baylor, Florida, Miami and South Carolina are listed as the schools most strongly contending for Gibson. The Gators and Hurricanes both have crystal balls for Gibson.

"West Orange (Fla.) Winter Garden Top247 wide receiver Jayden Gibson simply stole the show during Friday night’s pool play as he got vertical and scored at least five times. Gibson, who is up and over 6-foot-4, used his length to advantage and was able to high-point the ball.The highlight of the tournament for him came when he simply plucked the ball away from two defenders before falling backwards into the end zone. Florida, South Carolina, Miami and plenty of others are after Gibson."

Gibson took official visits to Baylor and Miami in June. Unofficial visits to Florida twice, South Carolina and UCF were also taken by Gibson last month, plus he attended camps at Florida State and South Florida. There is not currently a timetable listed for when Gibson might make his commitment announcement.

Gibson is the 226th ranked player, 36th ranked WR and 25th in Florida in the Class of 2022. Ibieta and Gibson could complement each other. Ibieta is ranked much lower but is a slot receiver, while Gibson would play outside. Miami needs to continue building depth and adding playmaking WRs as they continue to develop their offense.