PERSONAL — Born Aaron Naithaniel Gipson on March 12, 1984 in Harbor City, Calif. Parents: Arthur and Cheryl Gipson. Family: Two brothers, two sisters. High School (Coach): Kaiser (Dick Onich) 2002.

Major: Sociology.

HIGH SCHOOL — Excelled as a playmaker on both sides of the football, utilizing blazing speed to accumulate 14 touchdowns on offense and earn a spot among the Tacoma News Tribune's Western 100 elite. Contributed 50 tackles and pair of quarterback sacks to go along with 500 yards rushing for a squad that posted a 5-6 record his senior season.

OREGON — Since paying his dues as a green true freshman who was thrust into the fire before his time in the Pac-10 in 2002, has emerged as one of the league’s better defenders. Has always possessed an advanced understanding of the game, but now the 22-game starter is able to utilize his quickness and change of direction to the fullest extent, in addition to filling out his body in the weight room. Not only does he loom as the secondary’s best cover cornerback, rates as one of team’s best players. Has developed into a sure tackler who can defend the run as well as the pass, and finishes the play strong. Has set the table to become one of the best defensive backs in the country after entering the 2004 spring in danger of questioning his self-confidence and settling for a reserve safety role. But quickly forced his way back into the rotation at cornerback as one of the defense’s most improved players.

2004 — Rising to the occasion as one of the defense’s most
consistent individuals, the honorable mention all-conference standout finished ninth on the squad in tackles and tied for fifth in the Pac-10 in interceptions while starting 10 of 11 contests. Was credited with a season-best seven tackles in consecutive outings vs. Oklahoma and (team high) Idaho while contributing six stops and a forced fumble at California. Returned interception 38 yards at Washington State before picking off a pair of passes the following week against Arizona. Also returned three punts for 12 yards during the first two weeks of the season. Was recognized as team’s defensive player of the week in consecutive games against Arizona State, the Cougars and the Wildcats.

2003 — Earned the starting nod at right corner in Oregon’s
season-opener at Mississippi State and showed signs of improvement from the previous season. Posted four solo tackles, including a sack for a loss of five yards while also accounting for a forced fumble and a pass deflection in the season opener. Despite his performance, accumulated most of his experience as a nickel
back in passing situations the latter half of the year. Played in a season-high 85 plays vs. Utah and had four tackles and his
second pass break up. Later in the season, came off the bench at rover and seemed to thrive in the new role, culminating in a best effort honor for his play vs. Oregon State in which he had a
season-high five tackles and a third pass deflection. Finished
second on the team with eight special teams tackles and was cited as the Pac-10’s special teams player of the week for his play vs. Stanford.

2002 — Became Oregon’s first defensive back to earn a starting role as a true freshman in more than 20 years. Taking over for a pair of NFL draft picks proved to be anything but easy, but the effort was always there for the 11-game starter who finished the season seventh on the team in tackles. Missed only the Washington game after sustaining a foot injury versus Washington State, but returned against Oregon State. Had his best performances vs. Portland State and UCLA, posting eight total tackles in each of those outings. Added five tackles against Wake Forest in the Seattle Bowl. Was noted for his play against the Bruins after nabbing two interceptions, earning team’s weekly defensive-player-of-the-week accolades.