Gilbertson earns All-State honors

Although the football season has been over since Nov. 22, the accolades are still rolling in. Junior Daniel Gilbertson was named Class 4A Second Team All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association.

Gilbertson, a three-year member of the Steers' varsity football team, earned All-State honors as an all-purpose back. All-purpose might be an understatement for 5-foot-10-inch, 175-pound running back. In 12 starts, Gilbertson amassed 1,801 all-purpose yards (1,047 rushing yards, 754 receiving) and 24 touchdowns (17 rushing, seven receiving). He also threw for two touchdown passes.

"Daniel is a gifted athlete," said Steers head coach Kenny Davidson. "He has been on the varsity football team since ninth grade, where he rushed for 500 yards in a 14-1 team."

In his three years as a member of the Graham Steers, the team has a record of 29-10. Despite the difficult ending to the 2019 season, Gilbertson was honored when he learned of his selection.

"I feel honored to be named in my junior year," Gilbertson said. "It was disappointing to end the season in the same round against the same team we lost to last year. It's also nice because I know where I stand as a player."

Gilbertson is a three-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball and baseball. Although it's early in his college recruitment, Gilbertson said he has talked to some college coaches and getting named to the second-team motivates him further for next year.

"I've talked to coaches at Rice when I've gone to camps," Gilbertson said.  "I've also talked to coaches at ACU also (...) I think we are going to have a big year next year. We are going to have more experience on the offense. It's going to motivate me to push harder and work to get on the first team next year."