Jalen Gilbert’s hesitance to play defense transformed into a love for roaming the defensive secondary.

The senior Round Rock Dragons safety did not develop a passion for football until high school. Gilbert was then asked to change positions, from offense to defense, heading into his sophomore season. Then he finally found his niche at free safety as a junior.

“[In] middle school, I did not like football. It was honestly my worst sport. I was a baseball player. Freshman year, I really saw a new level in my game, and that’s when I started getting a love for it,” Gilbert explained. “Going into my junior year, they needed me at free safety [in] more of a leadership role, so I took that challenge. I’m loving it.”

Gilbert is always around the football, like any good defensive back. He gets that from studying a former Longhorns star.

“I’m a Texas fan, so watching DeShon Elliot. [I] loved him, hard hitter, I loved the little joker celebration he would do,” Gilbert said.

The similarities in his game made Gilbert a sought after prospect from Division I schools across the country.

Gilbert received offers from Arizona State, UNLV, Vanderbilt and West Virginia before committing to Washington State. He says the new coaching staff made choosing the Cougars easier.

“It was amazing they treated me like family. The staff was great, and it was good seeing the atmosphere,” Gilbert said. “My position coach, Coach Malone, has become another mentor.”

Round Rock looks to bounce back in the playoffs after a disappointing 13-3 loss to Bowie at home last season.

Gilbert hopes his fellow seniors can lock in for one last playoff push.

“I really just want our team to play together, especially the [seniors], and I want us to have fun doing it,” Gilbert said. “I really think this team has the ability to go far.”

The Dragons are set to host Lake Travis in the UIL 6A-Division I playoffs at Dragon Stadium, Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.