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LSU DE Ali Gaye gets UDFA contract following NFL Draft

On3 imageby: Matthew Brune04/29/23MatthewBrune_
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(Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

LSU defensive end Ali Gaye went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he has now landed a deal as an undrafted free agent.

Gaye has agreed to an UDFA contract with the Houston Texans, multiple outlets reported on Saturday evening.

After two years in the junior college ranks, Gaye came to LSU as a highly-touted prospect and the No. 2 JUCO defensive end in the country in the 2020 class. In his first year in Baton Rouge, Gaye thrived, earning second team All-SEC honors with 9.5 tackles for loss and 32 tackles in 10 games. The 2021 season was cut short due to injuries, then he returned for one final season in 2022. This past year, Gaye recorded 36 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks while playing in, and starting, 13 games.

Draft preparation

After a lengthy college career, Gaye did not participate in most of the measurable events at the NFL Combine or LSU’s Pro Day. He recorded 19 on bench press and weighed in at 263. With his 6-foot-6 frame, Gaye’s potential has always been evident, now it’s about settling into his role in the league and rounding out his game.

“Just being able to show them my ability and going out there to show them who I am as a player and a person,” Gaye said at the Senior Bowl. “I’ve played in multiple defenses and it makes my game more versatile. I can play inside, I can play outside, on the end, dropped out in coverage. That’s just something I have in my bag, being able to do a little bit of everything. Now i’m just trying to take my game to a whole nother level in front of these coaches in the league.”