ROYAL PALM BEACH – It has to be the right fit for Avrian Gilbert.
The campus environment and coaching staff connection will be determining factors for the Royal Palm Beach outgoing senior defensive end/linebacker, who will pick his college destination later this month.
The 5-foot-10, 182-pound hybrid defender has offers from Avila, Iowa Wesleyan, Kansas Wesleyan, Graceland, Monmouth College, Cornell College, Judson, Manchester, Trine, Missouri Valley College, Trinity International, Lagrange, and Greensboro. There are no leaders at this time, as he’s also in talks with Mississippi Valley State.
“Just trying to take everything one step at a time,” Gilbert said. “I’m finding out which school out of the 11+ offers will be the best fit. I was going to make my decision early this month, but new schools have shown interest.”
Gilbert has reached this point due to his stellar senior season at Royal Palm Beach. While helping his team earn a surprising 6-4 record, he racked up 78 total tackles (18 TFL’s), 4 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles in 10 games played.
Gilbert’s two best games came against Dwyer and Martin County. In Week 8 against Dwyer (28-21 home loss, he had 7 total tackles (4 assists, 3 TFL’s), while in Week 9 against Martin County (34-6 road win), he had 7 tackles (2 assists) and 1 forced fumble.
Gilbert reflected on his senior season at Royal Palm Beach.
“It was a great deal of hard work,” Gilbert said. “It was a team effort that I personally respected since little league. It was about the 3 D’s: dedication, determination, and discipline. But the most important thing is that it’s a season I’ll never forget with my brothers Tron (Ketron Haley), Andy (Petit-Homme), James (Hunter III), Dishon (Francis), Akeam (Woodley), and all the people who played the whole season with us.”
More than likely, Gilbert’s final college call will be made around the time he’ll be officially a high school graduate with his fellow seniors.
“It’s May 29th, and I know having a real one would be what we all want,” Gilbert said of Royal Palm Beach High School’s virtual graduation date. “But safety is first. It would be nice to actually walk the stage, but having a 3.3 GPA and graduating with honors is great regardless. My momma is proud of me, so it’s cool.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Gene Nardi
