Alohi Gilman was selected in Saturday’s sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. Gilman joins a strong Notre Dame precence in southern California as he’ll play alongside former Fighting Irish stars Drue Tranquill, Jerry Tillery and Isaac Rochell.
Gilman is far from a perfect safety, hence why he was selected in the sixth round. However, he’s about as opportunistic of player Notre Dame has had in recent years. I’ll forever associate Gilman with being the safety valve that made the most-needed of plays en route to a 12-0 regular season.
Struggles against Vanderbilt could have led to an embarrassing loss had it not been for Gilman forcing a fumble with Vanderbilt appearing to be about to score. To close the regular season it was Gilman forcing a turnover while trailing against USC that changed the entire direction of the game.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwatdC_6sFQ&w=560&h=315]
I’ll admit that I like the potential of Notre Dame’s safeties entering the 2020 season more than most and think they have the chance to actually be a better unit this season. However, that doesn’t mean for a second that I won’t miss seeing Gilman in this shade of blue and gold, two very memorable years flew by watching him for Notre Dame.