In this installment of the Recruit Notebook, we meet a Miami legacy with plenty of talent and skill to be noteworthy in his own right: CB Gilbert Frierson.
Bio
It’s hard to be more of a local recruit for the University of Miami than Frierson, who attends Coral Gables (FL) High School just minutes down Bird Rd. from Miami’s Coral Gables campus.
And, while proximity is a great thing, don’t let that fool you into thinking Frierson wouldn’t be a worthy recruit for the Canes should he hail from elsewhere. He’s a very talented player, and the fact that he’s super local is just a bonus.
Ever since first appearing on Gables’ varsity team as a sophomore, Frierson has made a name for himself first for his outstanding size and length at CB, but also for his playmaking ability. Frierson was just as likely to be seen blanketing an opposing receiver as we was returning a kickoff or punt for a touchdown.
On top of his prodigious skills, Frierson has a family connection to Miami: he’s a cousin of former Coral Gables, University of Miami, and current NFL star RB Frank Gore, so the connection to The U is very, very strong.
Frierson was a very early commit in February of 2016, and if not for WR Daquris Wiggins, would be the longest tenured commit in Miami’s 2018 recruiting class.
On the field, Frierson had 32 tackles and 2 INTs as a sophomore, and while battling injuries in parts of the next 2 seasons, maintained a similar level of performance, while adding in nice, timely plays on special teams as well.
Like many Miami commits, Frierson played for an elite 7v7 team — Florida Fire — and was well known on the camp circuit for his elite athleticism and performance.
While Georgia made a run at Frierson, getting him on campus in Athens multiple times for visits, the connection to Miami was just far too strong to sway his commitment. Despite some anxiety from the Canes’ fanbase online, Frierson was locked in with Miami from the jump, and that is going to pay off in a big way for the Canes in the future.
Recruiting Ranking
On the 247sports composite, Frierson is a 4-star prospect, the #22 CB in this class, #36 in the State of Florida, and #206 recruit overall.
Frierson committed to Miami over Georgia and Kentucky out of a list of 16 scholarship offers.
Frierson as a player
What immediately jumps out at you about Frierson is his height and length at CB. Standing 6’1” with long arms, Frierson definitely looks the part of a big-time CB prospect, and he has the resume to back that up.
When I first saw Frierson as a HS sophomore, I thought he would surely bump inside to Safety. But, to this point, he’s been able to stick at CB, and that’s where Miami will likely try him first. With CB coach Mike Rumph being a big CB himself, the ability to work with Frierson is probably something the former 1st RD NFL draft pick Rumph is looking forward to.
Frierson is very good at getting up the field to challenge receivers at the point of the catch. He has the ability to change directions well, something necessary for all DBs to mirror routes of the receivers they’re covering.
Frierson has been an impact player in the kick and punt return games in HS, but that was largely due to the fact that he was the best player on his team. Those days are probably behind him, but if he gets an interception, he should be able to turn defense into offense quickly.
Like most HS DBs, Frierson needs to be more physical in the run game. He’s an okay tackler, but a Manny Diaz defense depends on DBs — and everybody, really — being outstanding tacklers, so that’s an area for improvement.
Strengths
- Height
- Length
- Athleticism
Weaknesses
- Tackling
- Lack of a clear position (CB or S?)
2018 Outlook
Frierson could be a rotation player at either CB or S for the Canes in 2018. He has the size and length to be a very good player, but needs a bit of refinement to his technique, particularly in tackling.
Chances for a redshirt: 3/10
With special teams needing talent, and injuries just a play away, I think that Freirson will find his way onto the field in 2018, and be primed for a major role on the defense in 2019.
That’s it for this installment of the Recruit Notebook.