JoshGibbs

One of four seniors who gives the Wildcats plenty of experience at safety … Contributed primarily on special teams last season … Junior-college transfer enrolled at Kentucky in January, 2010 after completing his associates degree in December, 2009 … Noted for the great playing instincts he showed in junior college.

2010 (Junior): Gave UK depth at safety, receiving playing time in all 13 games … Posted 10 tackles on the year, including a season high of four stops in the win over Western Kentucky … Saw plenty of game action on special teams.

Junior College: Played two seasons at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Calif. … Beat out a returning starter at safety during his freshman season … Totaled 45 tackles, three interceptions, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery during the Cougars’ undefeated 10-game regular season … Returned one of the pickoffs for a touchdown … Canyons went on to a 12-1 final record, reaching the championship game of the 2008 Southern California playoffs … Sophomore season featured three more interceptions, along with four pass breakups and 27 tackles … Coached by Garett Tujague (pronounced TOO-jay) … “Josh is a great player and has an uncanny ability to get to the football,” Tujague said. “He has the will to prepare and the pride to finish, which will help him succeed academically and athletically.”

High School: Played his senior season at Valencia (Calif.) High School … Actually played as an undersized defensive end at Valencia, earning allconference honors and helping his team advance to the state playoffs … Coached by Larry Muir … Was a safety and a quarterback at Redondo Beach HS before moving to Valencia.

Personal: Born in Germany, both of his parents were in the United States Army … Son of Shelly Poling … Brother of Darlron Spead, who played defensive back at Vanderbilt from 2006-08 … Major is psychology.