(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)
Alohi Gilman was born on the Island of Oahu in Hawaii. He starred for Polynesian powerhouse Kahuku High School and then headed off to the Naval Academy. During 2016 in Annapolis, he started all 12 games, and was a standout performer. He played particularly well in a 28-27 upset win over Notre Dame, notching a team leading 12 tackles.
ND remembered that performance and when Gilman decided to transfer after the 2016 season, Brian Kelly came calling and Gilman moved to South Bend.
He sat out the 2017 season as required by the NCAA in the pre-portal days. But made a big impression on the ND coaching staff, as he was named the ND scout team player of the year.
In 2018 Gilman then stepped in and started all 13 games. He quickly established himself as force on the field with his competitiveness and instinctual play. For the year he notched 94 tackles as the Irish fought to a 12-0 regular season. Gilman saved his best performance for the college football playoff that season against Clemson, when he recorded an amazing 18 tackles.
A vocal and popular player, he finished out his ND career in 2019., Serving as captain, he again started every game. He turned in another excellent season with 74 tackles and three forced fumbles. Brian Kelley referred to him as ”one of the most inspirational leaders in our locker room.
Gilman declared for the 2020 draft, and his NFL scouting report caught the essence of his style of play. “Competes hard on every snap”, “hard downhill trigger” and “pursues like a mad man”, were among the superlatives used to describe him.
The LA Chargers selected him in the 6th round. Primarily a special team standout at first, he has, now in his 4th season, worked his way into the starting line-up at free safety.
Alohi Gilman: ND 2018-2019, is an ALL-TIME IRISH HERO.
