WFT's Antonio Gibson Not Interested In Becoming 'Robotic' Running Back

The prospects of WFT's Antonio Gibson certainly outshine his team's sub-par offense.

After ample Year 1 success as the lead back, Gibson anticipates a high-yielding sophomore season by embracing a style unlike that of a conventional RB in the league — which he finds "robotic."

The second-year back spoke about his expectations for Year 2 on the Go Long podcast. Gibson expects not just to eat chunks of yardage on the ground, but also to threaten defenses through the receiving game.

“I feel that’s what a lot of running backs do. When they grow up, all they do is running back," said Gibson. "They’re stuck in that world of downhill running or make-a-cut-and-go. I feel that’s what makes me different going from receiver to running back. I make the extra cut. I’m not scared to make the extra cut. I’m not scared to make somebody miss in the backfield, and then try to get north. Or get shifty. Try to make a play. That’s what puts me over the edge of a lot of folks.”

Washington hasn't seen a running back like Gibson in the backfield since Alfred Morris' 1,600+ yard rookie season in 2012. While Gibson's end of the year totals didn't meet Morris' season, the skillset proved too valuable for the WFT coaching staff to ignore.

Antonio's background as a dual-threat running back — playing both receiver and running back at Memphis — provided him with a high ceiling as a lead back in the contemporary NFL running game. Gibson started 10 games for WFT and recorded 1,042 yards, 11 touchdowns and over 206 total touches.

His 2020 rookie season finished with a 4.7-yard average on the ground, suggesting to fans that his larger-than-average frame (6'2", 220 lb) for a running back is more in line with Arian Foster than Bo Scarbrough.

The offense is excited to feature Gibson, which likely explains his second round ADP in fantasy drafts this year.

Follow along on Twitter: @AlejandroAveela