Commit GIF Breakdown: Rivals100 LB Addison Gumbs

Smoke billows from a smoldering cigar in a dark room and 'California Love' by Tupac and Dr. Dre plays in the background. Mike Stoops celebrates yet another four-star defender committing to the Oklahoma class with Wednesday's announcement from Hayward (Cali.) Stellar Prep Rivals100 outside linebacker Addison Gumbs.

The 6-foot-3, 211-pounder possesses great burst off the edge and when you combine that with his instincts to time up the snap, Gumbs can reach the backfield before the offense even knows what hit them. His explosion catches the quarterback off-guard with how quickly he arrives on a designed screen.

Quarterbacks must also be adept at stepping up in the pocket with Gumbs on the edge. He’s almost “Strikerian” in his ability to attack the outside shoulder of offensive linemen, almost taking themselves out of the play upfield, before sharply turning the corner, and making a momentum-swinging play for his team. Usually blockers are coached to allow pass-rushers some leeway on the outside, because it forces them behind the play. However, that cannot work with someone like Gumbs - who has the agility, athleticism, and flexibility to cut that corner and angle himself around the blocker.

On this play, you’ll see the running back doesn’t even attempt to chip block Gumbs on the outside – probably thinking there’s no way that he would be physically able to make the play.

Here, you can see the nation's No. 58 overall player’s strength and awareness. Rather than using his speed, Gumbs engages the blocker, maintains separation with a ferocious punch – giving himself a two-way go and space to maneuver. The offense is attempting some misdirection on the play with a flea-flicker. Gumbs takes a step towards the back, but quickly recognizes the trickery, sticks his foot in the ground, and explodes towards the quarterback.

The terrifying thing about facing Gumbs is his combination of power, speed, explosion, and change of direction skills make him unpredictable.

Again, watch on this play as he forces his blocker into a backpedal immediately off the snap with his burst, and if he cheats out all to his outside shoulder, Gumbs makes him pay with another nice punch inside the pads and cutting to the inside. If he can consistently confuse linemen like this at the next level and at least maintain the threat of an inside rush – watch out.

It may be a surprise for some to see one of California’s top defenders head east for the Sooner State, but the nation’s No. 4 outside linebacker is an ideal fit in Oklahoma’s 3-3-5/3-4 scheme and Bob Stoops has a quality track record of sending Sunshine State prospects to the NFL (Roy Williams, Lance Mitchell, Donte Nicholson, Kenny Stills, Jalen Saunders, Devante Bond, etc.).

Gumbs is the son of a football coach, has a solid frame, and possesses worlds of talent. His ability to win with inside moves on top of his speed rush could be what transcends Gumbs into a complete superstar. It’s not hard to imagine him finding success in the Oklahoma defense.