Southwest Baptist University Athletics

Gerik Garlington will be entering his third season (2023-24) with the Bearcats. Gerik is in his second season as a Graduate Assistant working with the Defensive Backs and assisting with Strength & Conditioning. He is pursuing a master’s in education of Athletic/Activity Administration at SBU.

In his second season, Garlington helped lead the defensive backs to a year that set them at top of the conference in passing defense. This unit is anchored by 1st Team All-Conference cornerback, Brenden Smith.

Gerik is from Mascoutah, IL. He graduated from Illinois College in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. In college, Gerik played corner and safety. He was a team captain and two-year starter for the Blueboys where in his 3 year career accumulated 18 pass breakups, allowing only 4 catches, 4 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He helped lead the Blueboys to a 7-3 season in 2019.