Maverick Gamble II

Safety / Merrimack College

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Maverick Gamble II:  I am 5’9, 200 pounds and I ran a 4.51 during last fall camp.     

Alex Khvatov:  How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Maverick Gamble II:  I have been going to every field possible.  I have been training in Maryland with coach Coleman.  I have been doing weight training and band workouts.   

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Maverick Gamble II:  During my ninth grade year, I ran track.  I played baseball before high school.  It was my first love.

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Maverick Gamble II:  I played FB and LB.  I was 5’8 and 200 pounds.  I was a big guy.  I was thicker in high school.   

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Maverick Gamble II:  Shepherd, Bowie State and Fairmont State.   

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Merrimack College? 

Maverick Gamble II:  Coach Dan Curran recruited my area. He expressed the interest in me.  I felt like this is the place where I belonged.  I committed after my visit. 

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your overall career.        

Maverick Gamble II:  I came in as a LB.  Then I was moved to a hybrid LB role.  I stayed there for two years.  This past year, I played strong safety.  My career is a testimony of perseverance.  I almost left after the first couple of years.  It was rough at Merrimack.  I tried to figure out how to fit in.  I came in as a LB and evolved into a true strong safety.  I matured on and off the field.  In our defense, I play the nickel.  90% of the time, I am at nickel.     

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from your team this upcoming season? 

Maverick Gamble II:  You can expect max effort every week.  We will compete regardless of the circumstances.  We have playmakers all over the field.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Maverick Gamble II:  I pride myself in being a smart player.  I watch film and I study how the offensive coordinator calls the game.  I bring coverage versatility.  I cover the slot WR when we play man.  I played LB and I can play zone.  I can lineup as a single high safety.     

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Maverick Gamble II:  Last year, I improved my tackling as a whole.  I can still improve a bit.  I also need to create more turnovers.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Maverick Gamble II:  My first career INT in college against Saint Anselm in 2018.  My interception caused a momentum switch, and we won the game.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Maverick Gamble II:  Be someone that people can count on.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Maverick Gamble II:  Tyrann Mathieu.  We have a similar style of play.  We have similar body types.  Also Budda Baker from the Arizona Cardinals.   

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Maverick Gamble II:  We call ourselves DBU.  We believe that we have the best secondary in the country.  Both of our corners Darion McKenzie and Caleb Holden.  The other safety Jovan Grant, LB Olan Abner and receiver Johnny Rosario.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Maverick Gamble II:  WR Deonte Harris from Assumption.  He can score from anywhere on the field.  He has blazing speed.  He is a playmaker.  He broke the collegiate D-II record for returned TD’s. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a safety?

Maverick Gamble II:  You have to see the bigger picture of what the offense is doing.  You have to communicate well pre-snap.  You need to have eyes in the right spot.  Safety is the last line of defense.  If we mess up, it is a TD.  You need to have a lot of confidence playing that position.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Maverick Gamble II:  The thrill of making plays in big games.  Also spending time with my teammates off the field.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Maverick Gamble II:  I like to spend time with family and friends.  I like watching movies and listening to music.  I like cooking. 

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Maverick Gamble II:  My work ethic.  The way I prepare.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Maverick Gamble II:  I want to be a professional Forex trader and a real estate broker.  My major is in sports management and business administration.  I also have interest in sponsorship and endorsement in the sports industry.   

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Maverick Gamble II:  Disciplined, adaptable, ambitious, respectful, and humble.