Freshman safety making impact
After earning starter’s job, Gilbert leads in solo tackles.
BOCA RATON — Lane Kiffin is known more for his offensive prowess, but the firstyear Florida Atlantic coach has quickly found a star on the other side of the ball in freshman safety Zyon Gilbert.
After beating out returnees Andrew Soroh and Ocie Rose for the starting freesafety job against Navy, Gilbert has settled into the role and made his impact felt. Through four games, Gilbert ranks third on the team with 26 tackles, including a team-high 18 solo tackles.
This past Saturday was Gilbert’s best performance — racking up a game-high 15 tackles in the 34-31 loss to Buffalo — and he was named player of the game by his teammates.
With junior and defensive leader Jalen Young nursing an injury, Gilbert filled in admirably.
“He’s going to be playing for a long time, I think, at the next level,” Kiffin said. “I know that’s early to say after four games, but usually, you can tell.”
Kiffin first met Gilbert at a camp in Alabama when Kiffin was Alabama’s offensive coordinator. Gilbert was “very competitive” against what Kiffin called “the best players in the country.”
“He’s a special kid, not just talent-wise, but really his mind-set,” Kiffin said, comparing Gilbert to Owls teammates like junior linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and senior running back Buddy Howell.
Al-Shaair, who had the chance to learn from future NFL players Trevon Coley, Brandin Bryant and Sharrod Neasman as a freshman two seasons ago, explained why he quickly took Gilbert under his wing.
“Being young like that, sometimes you lose focus,” Al-Shaair said. “I try to make sure he stays focused and level-headed. Obviously, with me being a (USA Today freshman) All-American, I know how that goes, having a lot of success early. Sometimes you let it slip away and you lose your mind-set.”
Kiffin echoed those sentiments, saying: “We talked about how you can’t let it get to your head. Everybody is probably telling you how great you are that you’re starting as a freshman. You know, you gotta keep doing what’s got you here.”
With Kiffin not allowing freshmen or assistant coaches to be interviewed, Gilbert has not yet spoken to the media.
FAU hosts a talented Middle Tennessee State offense Saturday, one that lit up the Owls for 77 points last November. Gilbert’s range and awareness will be needed if FAU wants to avoid opening Conference USA play with a loss.