On June 10, Rutgers added defensive back Dahkari Gilley to their 2024 recruiting class. The three-star recruit is a strong tackler and is highly athletic. The Florida native from Jacksonville, FL committed to Rutgers football during his official visit in mid-June.
While playing at University Christian, Gilley recorded 69 tackles (24.5 for loss), four sacks, a fumble recovery, and an 80-yard pick-six last season. In 2022, Gilley guided the Christian Knights into the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1M semifinals with an 11-2 record. In the off-season, Gilley won the District 4-1A championship in the 100-meter dash (11.06 seconds).
According to 247Sports, the 6-foot-2 190 pounds defensive back is ranked No. 126 in Florida and is No. 93 among his position for the 2024 recruiting class. Gilley has a 5.7 Rivals Rating, making him a three-star prospect, according to Rivals.com.
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The new Scarlet Knight received Power Five offers from Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech. Gilley also received offers from Central Florida, USF, FAU, UMass, Liberty, and Georgia Southern.
Film Review
100000% committed @coachharasymiak @CoachTrigs @RamonS_RU @CoachDrewRU @GregSchiano @MattWalp @Mark_Orphey @PEBODY83 @CoachRyanFuchs pic.twitter.com/r22X4fH9rS
— Dahkari ‘‘Dk’’ Gilley (@Dkgilley_) June 10, 2023
A look at Gilley’s highlight film and it is clear that the defensive back has a nose for the ball. Gilley has a motor that doesn’t quit, and he is there to make a play for his team. His high football IQ allows him to be in a position to make a play on any ball thrown his way.
Gilley’s versatility makes him an appealing three-star recruit, receiving snaps at multiple spots, including LB, S, and slot defender. He has excellent hands for a defensive back, with the speed to return an interception to the house. His active hands cause a ton of pass breakups that can lead to force turnovers.
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano and defensive coordinator Joe Hrasymiak can plug Gilley into multiple positions, allowing him to make plays all over the field. His aggressive style will fit perfectly in Schiano’s and Hrasymiak’s defensive scheme.
When Gilley arrives on campus, he’ll be on the depth chart as a safety, but they could move him to linebacker as he gets stronger. Gilley is always around the football, making the linebacker position an easy adjustment.
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