Ali Gaye Explained

Ali Gaye
Currentteam:Houston Texans
Number:90
Position:Defensive end
Birth Date:29 November 1998
Birth Place:The Gambia
Height Ft:6
Height In:6
Weight Lb:265
High School:Edmonds Woodway
(Edmonds, Washington)
College:Arizona Western (2018)
Garden City CC (2019)
LSU (2020–2022)
Undraftedyear:2023
Pastteams:
Status:Active
Highlights:
Pfr:GayeAl01

Ali Gaye (born November 29, 1998) is a Gambian professional American football defensive end for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at LSU.

Early life and high school

Gaye was born in The Gambia and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 12, settling in Everett, Washington. He began playing American football in eighth grade at the age of 14. He attended Edmonds Woodway High School and was named All-Wesco 3A/2A in each of his final three seasons.[1] Gaye was rated a three-star recruit and initially signed a letter of intent to play college football at the University of Washington and grayshirt his freshman season over offers from USC, Arizona, California and Mississippi.[2] He ultimately was not accepted by the university due to failing to meet the school's SAT requirement.[3]

College career

Gaye began his collegiate career at Arizona Western College.[4] He transferred to Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kansas before his sophomore year after Arizona Western disbanded their football team. Gaye was named to the first team All-Jayhawk League after finishing the season with 44 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble and two blocked kicks.[5] Gaye committed to transfer to LSU for his final two seasons of eligibility over offers from Oklahoma and Nebraska.[6] [7]

Gaye was named a starter at defensive end for the Tigers.[8] [9] In his first game with the team, he recorded three tackles with two tackles for loss and a sack while also having a team-high three passes defended.[10] Gaye finished the season with 32 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and six passes defended and was named second team All-Southeastern Conference.[11]

Professional career

Gaye was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023.[12] He was waived on August 29, 2023 and re-signed to the practice squad.[13] [14] He signed a reserve/future contract on January 22, 2024.[15]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: AAli Gaye's uncommon route from The Gambia to LSU leads him to the cusp of stardom. Wilson. Alexander. The Advocate. October 1, 2020. October 2, 2020.
  2. Web site: Edmonds-Woodway DE prospect Ali Gaye announces commitment to Huskies. Christian. Caple. The News Tribune. January 23, 2017. September 28, 2020.
  3. Web site: Road less traveled leads former E-W football star to LSU. Zac. Hereth. The Everett Herald. June 18, 2019. September 28, 2020.
  4. Web site: LSU's Ali Gaye now No. 1 SDE in JUCO. Shea. Dixon. 247Sports.com. August 27, 2019. September 28, 2020.
  5. Web site: LSU Football Players Most Likely to Break Out in 2020: No. 12 Ali Gaye, Defensive End. Glen. West. SI.com. March 30, 2020. September 28, 2020.
  6. Web site: BREAKING: Ali Gaye commits to LSU. Shea. Dixon. 247Sports.com. June 10, 2019. September 28, 2020.
  7. Web site: Transfer Ali Gaye Provides LSU Football With Impact Edge Rusher Talent. Brian. Smith. SI.com. June 22, 2020. September 28, 2020.
  8. Web site: Ali Gaye named starter for LSU; open cornerback positions reach clarity. The Advocate. September 21, 2020. September 28, 2020.
  9. Web site: ‘You can’t teach that size’: Ali Gaye’s journey from The Gambia to LSU starter. Brody. Miller. The Athletic. September 22, 2020. September 28, 2020.
  10. Web site: Ali Gaye named to the Pro Football Focus Team of the Week. Sonny. Shipp. 247Sports.com. September 28, 2020. September 28, 2020.
  11. Web site: LSU Football Defensive End Ali Gaye Announces Return for 2021 Season. Glen. West. SI.com. December 31, 2020. February 4, 2021.
  12. Web site: Houston Texans Transactions (5-12-2023). HoustonTexans.com. May 12, 2023.
  13. Web site: Texans announce initial 53-man roster. HoustonTexans.com. August 29, 2023.
  14. Web site: Houston Texans Transactions (8-30-2023). HoustonTexans.com. August 30, 2023.
  15. Web site: Houston Texans Transactions (1-22-2024). HoustonTexans.com. January 22, 2024.