Stanford Safety Alaka'i Gilman Commits to Utah

The Utes get a massive transfer portal win as Stanford Safety Alaka'i Gilman announces his commitment to the program.

After posting a picture of downtown Salt Lake City on January 6th, Stanford safety transfer Alaka'i Gilman has officially announced his commitment to Utah via a post on X. 

I am most grateful to every coach, player, and staff member who have molded me and played a part in my story. I am blessed to call Salt Lake City my new home 🙌🏽 Ute Nation let’s do this! #GoUtes #808 pic.twitter.com/SjumeSg7z1

— Alaka'i ™ (@alakaigilman) January 10, 2024

The 5'9" 194-pound senior out of Laie, Hawaii is fresh off the best season of his 4-year career as a Cardinal where he racked up 50 total tackles, 3 passes defended, and an interception. Gilman joins his fellow teammates and friends Gabe Reid and Levani Damuni in making the move to play under Morgan Scalley and Coach Whittingham. 

With the departure of Cole Bishop, a massive void in the defensive backline needed to be filled, and Gilman slots in perfectly. While he isn't the size of Bishop nor is he necessarily a ball-hawking presence, Gilman is an incredibly versatile defensive asset who will bring leadership, experience, and much-needed aggressiveness to the Utah unit. 

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This commitment adds to the list of transfer portal successes for the program and signals a shift in focus for the team, opting for more experience and pedigree to help reset, reshape, and build upon the winning culture that has been established since 2021.