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Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo commented on the recording of a special team at a drill the day after a practice in 2016.
Alohi Gilman was the only player who stood out.
"He was the only one to have done everything exactly right," said Boutialatalolo this week. "The coach (special teams) wanted to focus on everything. He was a real freshman and we had senior players and other veteran players who did not do everything right.
"I realized that this kid, his football IQ is really very high."
Gilman played a season at the Navy, then was transferred to Notre Dame. After missing out in 2017 due to the NCAA transfer rules, he will have the first opportunity to play against his former team when the Irishman third (7-0) will meet the Navy (2- 5) Saturday night in San Diego.
"I've learned so much from the Navy," Gilman said. "I do not think I am the person I am today without being in the Navy. These past two years and last year 's meetings have been challenges that have made me a better person.
"This game obviously means a lot to me."
Gilman's 5-foot-10, ½-inch, and 202-pounder is one of the leaders in free security for the talented defense of Notre Dame.
"The first thing he does is that he brings toughness to our defensive background," said coach Brian Kelly. "It's a little erased from our security.
"He is a very good player. He is athletic, he is hard (and) he can play ball. But I think his presence has also brought that kind of influence to others and has also raised their game. "
Gilman is third for the team with 38 tackles. He has a forced fumble and has broken two passes.
"He's just a dynamic player," said linebacker Drue Tranquill.
Gilman has experience in the game Notre Dame-Navy. He made 12 tackles for the aspirants during the 2016 game in Jacksonville, Florida, winning 28-27 by the Navy.
"I remember it was a great game for the navy," he said. "This is the Super Bowl of the season (Navy) in addition to the Army."
Gilman finished the team's second 2016 season in tackles (76), in assists of five (5) and in fumble recoveries (two), playing free safety, cornerback and outside linebacker.
"It is obvious that he is a very good football player," he said. "Just his attention to details as a freshman. When he arrived, he was not a very recruited child, but a very good football player from a very good school (Kahuku High School in Hawaii). His father (Asai) is also a coach and has been involved in the game for some time helping his son.
"He's a very smart and tough football player. Obviously, we wish it still plays for us. "
The desire to pursue a career in the NFL was part of Gilman's motivation to leave Annapolis. Notre Dame has announced the move on June 9, 2017.
"In the spring of 2017, they changed the rule for service academy athletes who became professionals you had to serve first," said Gilman. "In the end, it was one of the decisions that prompted me to transfer."
Gilman said the move had worked.
"I am grateful to be in this position now," he said, "to learn and continue to progress".
Bonus points: Aaron Banks must start on the left guard Saturday. He will replace Trevor Ruhland, who becomes an option to guard right with Tommy Kraemer. … Running back Jafar Armstrong (knee infection) and cornerback Troy Pride Jr. (ankle) have been training this week and should be playing.
Twitter @lamondpope
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