The Washington State Cougars picked up their second commit in as many days — and their second DB in that span, to boot — when Alaka’i Gilman announced via Twitter that he intended to play his college football in Pullman.
C O M M I T T E D
— Alaka'i ™ (@alakaigilman) June 28, 2019
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“I wear my passion for this game on my sleeve...” #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/7z3ClhdgLb
Gilman is a three-star safety from Honolulu, Hawaii’s Punahou High School. He held offers from the USC Trojans, Oregon Ducks and California Golden Bears, among others, and was rated just a shade under four stars by 247sports. He becomes the second-highest rated player in the 2020 class, which now has seven known commits.
“I felt like I could connect well with the coaching staff and I could develop well under coach (Kendrick) Shaver, the safeties coach there and head coach (Mike) Leach,” Gilman told Blair Angulo of 247sports. “They play with a nickel, so almost three safeties on the field and I know that there will be opportunity to compete. I’m excited to do so in the Pac-12 because the ball is in the air a lot.”
Gilman’s junior highlights show a player who has a nose for the ball, covers a lot of ground, and is a sure tackler:
Gilman’s older brother Alohi Gilman is a senior safety with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and his commitment comes on the heels of fellow defensive back Hunter Escorcia going Crimson yesterday.
If Gilman signs, he’d be the second player in as many years from the islands, joining 2019 signing Peni Naulu.