Published: September 06, 2008 03:25 am            

He's the real deal

Huntsville quarterback works overtime in offseason, prepares for run at championship

A lot of high school sophomores would be pumped about playing quarterback and leading a team to a 5-5 record. Not Huntsville’s Justin Gilbert.

Sure, Gilbert had some fun last fall while splitting time under center with senior Trey Rollins. But he was far from satisfied with the Hornets’ accomplishments.

Gilbert wanted to lead Huntsville to the playoffs for the first time since 2000, and he truly believed the Hornets could compete with the big dogs, Brenham and Waller, for a district title.

That’s why the multi-talented Gilbert dedicated himself in the offseason to become a better quarterback and a better team leader.

Gilbert attended a summer camp at the University of Texas. He also learned a few tricks of the trade at a quarterback camp held in Huntsville by former Hornet stars Steve and Chuck Clements.

“I also lifted weights and came out here and threw pass patterns with Roo Roo (Howard Brown) and T-Baby (George Perry),” Gilbert said. “We played a little 7-on-7 together.”

Because he and a few of his teammates worked overtime, Gilbert says he is feeling more confident in his abilities as Huntsville kicks off the 2008 campaign tonight against College Park. The Hornets and their coaches are feeling better, too.

“If Justin continues to progress at the rate he’s going, Huntsville’s got a real weapon,” Huntsville coach Mitchell Coey said. “He can throw the ball and he can definitely run. When he’s finished here, Justin could be one of the better quarterbacks to ever come through Huntsville.”

Huntsville offensive coordinator Jason Jamison has been impressed with Gilbert’s dedication and determination. By studying game films and asking questions, the guy who last year got by on raw ability alone has done much more than improve his passing accuracy.

“The biggest improvement Justin has made is in his overall knowledge of the offense,” Jamison said. “He also has a better understanding of what’s being asked of him and his role within the offense. He understands the importance of the 10 other guys on the field. He doesn’t have to do it all. He’s got 10 other guys around him.”

Those guys say they sure like playing alongside a guy like Gilbert, someone who can take over a game as he did last year at Brenham, and a guy who puts in the extra work necessary to make Huntsville one of the teams to beat in ’08.

“Justin’s the guy you want with the ball. He can make plays by throwing it or running it,” senior running back Kevin Butcher said. “In clutch situations, he’s our guy.

“He’s matured a whole lot,” added Butcher, who also plays cornerback. “That’s the main thing. He’s matured, he knows the plays better and he’s gotten his timing down better. He’s goofy and he’s always laughing. Sometimes he can’t even say the plays right. He can run them correctly, but he can’t say them right.”

There were times last season when Gilbert could not remember the play that had been signaled from the sideline. That’s when Gilbert and the Hornets started freelancing.

“He knows the plays now. He’s a lot better quarterback,” Brown said. “His accuracy is better, he can read defenses better and he puts the ball where it needs to be. ... He’s just a pure athlete.

“We’re a lot more confident this year,” Brown adds, “and Justin is too.”

Honestly, Gilbert said he has never lacked for confidence. Huntsville’s starting quarterback is more comfortable this fall and he fully understands his role.

“I’m more confident about what decisions to make,” Gilbert said. “I had a couple of talks with coach Jamison about being a team leader. He told me he doesn’t want a quarterback who won’t step up and be a leader.”

Gilbert said he’s excited about being one of the players the rest of the Hornets look to for guidance. He’s also pumped about his team’s potential this fall.

“I’m feeling pretty confident that we’re a playoff contender,” Gilbert said. “I think we’ve got a shot at winning district.”

With a guy like Gilbert leading the way, the Hornets believe this finally will be their breakthrough season. The days of Huntsville being a .500-or-below ballclub are history.

“Justin has amazing athletic abilities,” Jamison said. “He can be as good as he wants to be. But the third-string wide receiver can be as good as he wants to be, too. Justin won’t settle for 5-5. He wants to move forward and win this district. He wants to be a champion. But just like everybody on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, he’s got to play up to his potential.

“I’ve been coaching for 12, 13, 14 years and there are very few guys I have used the term real deal on. He’s one of those guys. Justin’s the real deal.”



Season opener



Today: Huntsville Hornets vs. College Park, Woodforest Bank Stadium, Shenandoah, 7 p.m.



Records: Cavaliers are 1-0; Hornets are 0-0



Tickets: All tickets at the gate are $6



Radio: KSAM (101.7 FM), 6:45 p.m.



How to get there: Take Interstate 45 south to The Woodlands. Exit at Research Forest and turn left on Tamina. Take a left on David Memorial and the stadium is on the right.

        

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