Double Digit Offers for Passing Down NorCal LB

by Lorenzo Reyna

Throughout Sunday's Passing Down Elite 7-on-7 Northern California Regional at Chabot College in Hayward, hometown standout Addison Gumbs showed the same intense squint with his eyes, making it known that the highly-wanted linebacker was not at Passing Down to smile or giggle, but to strike fear into the heart of his opponents.

Sure enough, quarterbacks rarely threw the ball his direction and receivers rarely ran across the middle against him. The striking 6-foot-4, 210-pound defender from Stellar Prep High School– who holds a reported 21 scholarship offers - emerged as one of the most intimidating players at the February 29 Nor Cal regional as he spearheaded Real Intense Athletics, a newcomer to the most prestigious 7-on-7 tournament circuit in the Golden State.

Gumbs was as good as advertised. He closed fast on receivers like a strong safety and had quarterbacks hesitating to throw the ball his way. Funny thing is, while Gumbs gave off his fiery look, he said he was really at Passing Down to improve, not just intimidate.   

“I’ve been working on dropping back into coverage. Because at linebacker, you’ve got to do multiple things but I’m working on playing the pass,” Gumbs said.

Not only that, he has an older brother who has been in his position before: former PD alum Chandler Gumbs, who built his cornerback resume by putting on the dri-fit, shorts and cleats to improve at PD regional tournaments and eventually 
emerge as a national recruit himself. 

“He’s been telling me to stay humble, keep a level head and keep grinding away every day,” Gumbs said. “He was fun to watch. It’s great getting advice from him because he knows a lot about the game.”

In shoulder pads and helmet, Gumbs is known as a highly recruited wrecking ball. In two to three seconds, Gumbs is already in an opponents’ backfield punishing the running back or snatching the quarterback. Stellar Prep places him in a position where he goes unblocked and can wreck havoc against offenses. The way he crashes down the line makes him look like a young Khalil Mack or Von Miller.

One of his hobbies include watching the aforementioned NFL stars along with countless of other stud defenders. 

“I look up to Von Miller, Dwight Freeney a little bit and Clay Matthews. I watch all the top linebackers in the NFL and see what I can take and learn from them,” Gumbs said. 

Recently Oregon, Washington, UCLA and Oregon State jumped into the race to get Gumbs by extending a scholarship offer to him. “Most coaches see my as an outside linebacker. Some, though, see me as a defensive end,” Gumbs said.

Now, the inquiring minds who follow recruiting want to know where this imposing Bay Area defender will continue his football career at. Gumbs said he wants to give the college coaches who offered him a chance to get to know him.

“I want to take my visits and check out all the schools, then narrow it down from there,” Gumbs said. “I’m trying to make a decision in late spring or early summer. I’m going to take some time but want to make a decision early.”​

Hayward (Calif.) Stellar Prep LB Addison Gumbs at Passing Down Elite 7-on-7 NorCal Regional at Chabot College.