Notre Dame safety Alohi Gilman played like a man possessed throughout Notre Dame’s win over USC this past weekend but in the first half especially. He put on a tackling clinic and forced a key fumble of Amon Ra St. Brown at the end of the first half. It turns out that Gilman carried that emotion over to the locker room where he gave an impassioned half-time speech letting his teammate know he wasn’t leaving LA without another win.
Here is is courtesy of Twitter
Alohi Gilman halftime speech pic.twitter.com/7EMDFFMlAt
— Jac Collinsworth (@JacCollinsworth) November 27, 2018
Gilman has not been known to be overly vocal in his first season as a regular in the Notre Dame starting lineup, but based on his play on the field and his actions in the locker room, we could be looking at a future captain.
The last two weeks Gilman has almost been a one man wrecking crew for the Notre Dame defense. He had two interceptions versus Syracuse in Notre Dame’s 36-3 win in the Bronx and delivered 10 tackles and a huge forced fumble against the Trojans. That is the kind of ball hawking play Notre Dame has been missing from the safety position for years.
Drue Tranquill has been the unquestioned leader of the Notre Dame defense on and off the field this year. Gilman still has two years of eligibility left after transferring from Navy last year though he will be a senior next fall. Tranquill could end up passing the baton to Gilman after this magical ride that has been the 2018 season eventually comes to and end.
As much as I want ND to win, Clemson is going to expose the ND defense, especially Alohi Gilman.
Gilman is not going to be able to keep up with Clemson elite receivers.
Hate to say it but Alohi Gillman got burned for 2 touchdowns.
First TD. Ross just flat out ran by Alohi and caught a 42 yd Td.
2nd Td. Alohi bit on a decoy screen and left the area he was suppose to cover, leaving a big hole on the right side of the defense. This cleared the way for Clemson’s RB Etienne who scored on 62 yd TD.
Gilman has been a great player for ND and we are thankful to have him on the team. Go Irish!!!!
loved half time pump !!!!! well taken and needed !!!!! GO IRISH
Frank , how ’bout Alhoi moving to rover position next season ? Tranquil started his career as a d-back.
Southside,
Please tell me you’re joking right? Gilman is the best safety ND has had in a LONG time. He is very productive where he is at and is actually involved in a lot of plays. Tranquil wasn’t fast enough for safety and had a frame to play closer to the line whether at rover or LB and also has better speed for those positions. I said it to someone before the season started that said they were upset that Tranquil was moving to LB since he played well in 2017 at Rover. But the move to LB was perfect because he was going to be involved a LOT more and him being one of our best tacklers and having the size and speed, I don’t think there is an argument there anymore. Gilman could certainly play Rover but I think you waste his talent there as he wouldn’t be as involved. How often do you hear Bilal’s name called? It’s just not a spot where there is a ton of action.
CJ , no doubt about it , Alohi is best safety in long time for Irish. I hope he gets 2019 preseason accolades as one of the best in nation. I should have said “linebacker position.” But yes , frame wise (listed at 5′ 10 200lbs) he’s more suited in d backfield. Gilman is a beast — he sure hits like a linebacker.
SS they believe SHAYNE SIMON will b rover next year, and are excited about the speed they have at LB!! I think the biggest question mark will be, how hard teams are gonna try to steal CLARK LEA away from ND!! Hopefully ND can keep him and he has the desire to stay, unlike $$ grabbing MIKE ELKO. CHIP LONG will also be on the RADAR of a lot of teams after this year!!
Ndcm , the linebacker positions are going to be a hot topic come spring. Some great new talent along with Bilal will be fighting for positions. Hope Clark Lea stays put—so the newbys can learn from him and his coaching staff. Well , that is all upcoming next season. Irish are in the playoffs — Go Irish !