2023 Linebacker/Defensive Back Sean Gilbert of Alvin Shadow Creek is one of the most underrated players in the Greater Houston area and an unsung hero for the Sharks. Gilbert is a very versatile defender – His size, speed and lateral movement allows him to line up at safety, nickel corner or outside linebacker. I couldn’t help but notice hearing his name being repeatedly called over the speaker during Shadow Creek’s season opener vs Manvel, which led to Gilbert winning his first of multiple defensive player of the week awards. Sean may not have the amount of division 1 offers as his teammates, Theorin Randle and Maurice Williams but his impact is just as equal. Be on the look out for a breakout postseason run from Sean Gilbert as The Sharks look to contend for their second state championship in the school’s history. Here’s more below on the football background of the 2023 standout.
I want to know your first memory playing football as a kid.
My first memory was playing running back and scoring touchdowns at the age of 7.
Who is the most influential person(s) in your life right now that keeps you level-headed?
My father is the most influential person in my life because he always knows what’s best for me.
What are your game day rituals?
My game day rituals are going home and taking a nap and then coming back up to the school to pray and eat with the team.
What’s the hardest part about being a student athlete these days with social media and how does it affect you off the field?
The hardest part about being a student athlete is watching what you post, which isn’t too hard for me because I don’t really get into all of that social media stuff. It doesn’t effect me off the field as much because I only use it to contact friends.
How would you best describe your playing style and what’s your favorite thing about your position?
My play style is different as I’m allowed to assist my team in every aspect of the game defensively. The favorite thing about my position is that I can be a threat in coverage, I can be a threat in the run game, and I can rush the passer.
Which pro player(s) (current or retired) you relate to the most and why?
I feel like I can relate to Jalen Ramsey as the rams defense is starting to get him more active in the box at the star position, which allows him to be just as effective in the run game as he is in the passing game like I am in our defense.
How have any of your high school coaches played an important role in your life?
My old defensive passing game coordinator (Coach Gulley) from the last couple of years played a pivotal role in my life by wanting me to play defense and helped me to get to where I am today.
What are your individual goals as a player?
My individual goals as a football player is to keep pushing myself to the point were it is impossible for future regret, to win a state championship, and to keep playing the sport I love for as long as I can.
If you wasn’t an athlete, what could you see yourself doing?
If I wasn’t an athlete I’d probably be a nerd to be honest, because I wouldn’t have anything occupying my time after school.
What would you like for recruiters to know about you?
I would like recruiters to know that my hard work surpasses my talent as I’m constantly striving to get better.
In your own words, define success.
Success in my own words isn’t achieved by one particular achievement. Success comes from putting in the work and being happy with the outcome or achievement.
https://twitter.com/ypc_sean/status/1586470736209797121?t=OSD83KV3jPt6OkmwJvWUgw&s=19
