Gilbert has the speed
Dallas (Texas) Skyline High School already has several prospects on the radar like top athlete Christian Scott. However, don't forget about last year's transfer from Lakeview Centennial, the very fast running back Martin Gilbert.
Though he may only be standing at 5-foot-8, 186 pounds, Gilbert brings all the speed that college coaches are looking for. His coaches didn't believe him when he ran a recent set of times.
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"I ran a 4.21-second dash the first time," Gilbert said about his 40-yard times. "They didn't want to believe it. They said that it was a 4.31. So I ran the same time two more times and they finally told me that it was a 4.2-second 40-yard dash.
"I'm just running fast off of natural ability. I didn't do anything to get fast. It's from my family. My uncle was a track guy."
Gilbert's speed is not just being noticed by his high school coaching staff. Colleges are paying attention.
"I'm getting mail from Kansas State, my coaches say they could be close to offering," Gilbert said. "Missouri, Illinois, LSU, Wyoming, and Arkansas are the most frequent."
LSU is the early leader since Gilbert began watching them as a small child.
"I've just always wanted to go there," he said. "I watched them all the time."
His transfer from Lakeview Centennial had a lot to do with his father's job change. Gilbert says the change has been a good one.
"I played the last three games of the season here at Skyline last year," he said. "It went really well. I'm glad to be here."