The Virginian-Pilot
©
HAMPTON
Two star linebackers from South Hampton Roads have turned to Hampton University to turn around their careers.
Former Lake Taylor standout Travis Williams and ex-Salem star Lyndell Gibson will be part of an already formidable defense when the Pirates take the field this fall.
Last season, the Pirates finished first in the Football Championship Subdivision in red-zone defense, third in total defense and fourth in pass defense.
They just got stronger with the addition of Williams and Gibson.
Williams, 6-feet-3 and 208 pounds, was highly recruited out of high school and signed with Miami. He missed all of last season with a knee injury, but earned a starting position during spring practice. Williams said a disagreement with new coach Al Golden made him realize his time was over at Miami.
"I was starting by the end of spring ball," he said, "but there was a situation that happened and I had the head coach pointing fingers at me."
Williams considered Florida International and East Carolina, but with football camp beginning soon and many schools without any scholarships, "I knew I had to get into school ASAP."
Williams knew Hampton had a good program and has turned out NFL players, including recent players Cordell Taylor (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Kendall Langford (Miami Dolphins).
"I did some research on Hampton to make sure I would have an opportunity to get a shot," Williams said, referring to the NFL.
Williams also spoke to Gibson, who had already joined the Pirates' program after leaving Virginia Tech. Gibson had played in 25 games for Tech, starting 18 and recording 119 tackles, including 8-1/2 for losses.
But Gibson, who would have been a redshirt junior this fall, was arrested in February for allegedly driving while intoxicated. He had been charged twice previously while enrolled at Tech.
"I had spoken to Lyndell before making my decision a couple of weeks ago," Williams said. "And I asked him about it because it's a big change from a major Division I program to go to Hampton, but he told me this was the best place."
Both should make an immediate impact on the Pirates' defense.
"Playing with Lyndell is going to be a whole bunch of fun because he's coming from a similar situation that I'm coming from in coming from a Division I program," Williams said.
Phone calls to Gibson and Hampton coach Donovan Rose weren't immediately returned Friday.
Joining Williams and Gibson at Hampton will be former Great Bridge quarterback Brad Hudson. Last season, he completed 127 of 246 passes for 2,218 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Hudson drew recruiting interest throughout his senior season, but never found a home. He graduated in March and enrolled at the College of Canyons in California when new Pirates offensive coordinator Willie Snead III offered him a chance to play.
"I heard about (Williams and Gibson) and I think it's cool to have more guys from our area here," said Hudson, who is taking summer classes at Hampton and conditioning with the team. "I think people are figuring out that Hampton is a really good school and the coaching staff is amazing. I'm just trying to work hard."
Larry Rubama, (757) 446-2273, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com
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Should Have Came across the Water
How come local D1 recruits who committ mistakes at the larger programs do not consider the Mighty NSU Spartans? More recently we've had two guys back-to-back go to the NFL (i.e. Carey & Whitehead). We could have really used Gibson in the Pete Adrian 3-4 scheme and he could have thrived from the teaching Pete would give. If you are good, they will come. You also must humble yourselves when you get to places like NSU and Hampton b/c your pre-madona mind set is what got you kicked out of your big D1 programs. It's sad how these recruit services pump these kids ego up. Williams should have kept his mouth shut @ UM and took responsiblity. I know he regrets goiing off, but learn from this mistake young fella. Atleast ya'll won't beat NSU!!
HU Football
You know if HU is such a good football program and such a great place to be why didnt you go there to begin with.
Gibson will find drinking in Hampton has the same penalty as drinking in Blacksburg. If Williams has the same ole UM attitude the rest of the thugs down there have then his life at HU will be no better.
Hudson, good luck,if you thought Oscar Smith hit hard, just wait.
Great article Larry. As a
Great article Larry. As a proud alumnus of Hampton University I am glad to see that we are starting to recruit more local talent, especially of the caliber of these three players. By the way, I want to give an update on the Hampton University players currently on NFL rosters - Marcus Dixon (DE) New York Jets, Jackie Bates (CB) Kansas City Chiefs, Justin Durant (LB) Jacksonville Jaguars, Onrea Jones (WR) Denver Broncos, Nevin McCaskill (OG) Pittsburgh Steelers, and Kendall Langford (DE) Miami Dolphins.
I forgot to add Kenrick
I forgot to add Kenrick Ellis (DT) 3rd round 2011 NFL draft pick, NY Jets
Tough Break
Williams...it was good seeing you at UM this year, enjoyed watching you last summer and this sping on campus when I could get away from work. I grew up in Virginia Beach and don't see too many VA players in Miami, Epps was the last one to come through UM recently. Whatever happened between you and Golden is in the past, I wish you luck. Would have been sweet seeing you smash FSU this year after the dissapointing home game last year.