Alohi Gilman Excited To Face Former Team

Notre Dame and Navy have met for 92 consecutive years, and naturally, a rivalry was formed. 

The rivalry will take an exciting step forward as Navy transfer Alohi Gilman will face his former team on Saturday night in San Diego.  


In 2016, the 5-foot-11, 202-pounder beat Notre Dame as a starting safety for the Midshipmen, and he made sure to let his teammates in South Bend know about it, but it will be all about the Irish this weekend. 

“I give them crap a lot,” laughed Gilman. “I’m repping for my guys, and I’m here. I’m fighting for my brothers here.” 

The chance to play his former team is exciting as Gilman will see several familiar faces across from him. 

“It’s going to be exciting,” stated Gilman. “I’m in communication with them, so I still talk to them here and there. We have some fun conversations. It will be fun. I’m excited to get out there and play against the triple-option. I love playing against the triple-option.” 

Whoa. A player that likes playing against the triple-option? It’s a rare statement to hear as captain Drue Tranquill stated he was glad the NFL doesn’t run the option earlier this week. 

“It’s aggressive,” Gilman said of why he likes playing against the triple-option attack. “It’s a chess-match offense. I’m always down for some aggressive hitting.” 

Gilman is two years removed from facing the triple-option, but there is still a comfortable level. 

“I remember the daily habits and individual drills I learned at Navy,” explained Gilman. “I feel comfortable playing against them. I have to continue to prepare because I haven’t played against it in a couple of years.” 

The transfer process wasn’t an easy one for Gilman as he had to sit out last fall, but that wasn’t the only significant change he was adapting to. 

“My life has changed in so many ways,” Gilman said of life after the transfer. “When I was at Navy, it’s hard to explain. It’s a different lifestyle. You’re very structured, and everything is on a schedule. You have to abide by certain things. 

“Transitioning back to being a civilian was a different process for me. It was challenging. I learned so much at Navy, and I don’t think I’d be the person I am today without Navy. This game means a lot to me.” 

Gilman is back on the field and is looking forward to facing off against his old teammates. 

“I have a lot of friends on defense,” Gilman said. “On offense, Tazh Maloy is good at cut blocking, aggressive and a tough kid. Garrett Lewis, Anthony Gargiulo, Zach Abey and Tre Walker is a good friend of mine. I went through a lot with them.” 

One name sticks out more than the others, and the two will play a crucial role in the outcome of the game.

“Malcolm Perry is my arch-rival,” laughed Gilman. “I had a lot of battles with him in spring ball of 2017. We were going at it and got into some fights. He’s a great player, and I love that guy.

“We got into some friendly fire. He’s cutting me, and I cut him back.”

As the Irish wrap up preparations for Navy, Gilman was able to give some tips to his teammates, but he knows it’s going to take a team effort to slow down the unique offense. 

“Playing against other service academies gave me some experience,” said Gilman. “I have some knowledge and tips I can give the guys. 

“At the same time, I’m not going to beat the triple-option. Guys have asked me what I see here and there or thoughts on this or that. I’ve given some feedback. The coaches have done well preparing us.”