University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff sophomore wide receiver JaVonnie Gibson announced Monday he will enter the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining.
“This has not been an easy decision, but I believe it is the right step for my personal growth, athletic development, and future aspirations,” Gibson wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “I am incredibly grateful for UAPB and the experiences, teammates, coaches, fans and family who have supported me during my time here. The journey has been unforgettable, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
Gibson, who transferred to UAPB prior to this season from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, caught 70 passes for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns.
He led the SWAC in receiving yards this season, though Mississippi Valley State’s Nathan Rembert tied him with 70 receptions. Gibson beat Rembert with 55 catches and 820 yards in conference play to the Delta Devil’s 44 and 707.
Gibson ranks second in the Football Championship Subdivision in receiving yards behind Efton Chism III of Eastern Washington, who caught 120 passes for 1,311 yards.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
He finished the season tied with Willie Young for the second-most catches by a Golden Lion in a single season, though his yardage total far exceeded Young’s 931 in 2016. Only Raymond Webber has had more receiving yards in a season. He finished the 2010 campaign with 1,429 yards on a school-record 101 catches.
Gibson exceeded 100 receiving yards in five games this season. His best performances came in UAPB’s first two SWAC games. He had 180 yards and three touchdowns at Alcorn State, which he followed up with 183 yards and a touchdown in the win against Prairie View A&M.
He caught seven passes for 102 yards and a score against MVSU but was held to 86 or less in each of UAPB’s final four games this season despite catching 10 passes against Southern.
The transfer portal opens Dec. 9 and will remain open through Dec. 28. Gibson is the first UAPB player to declare intentions to transfer since the season finale on Saturday.