8/5/2023 football Edit

2024 DT Gabriel Arnold details commitment to WKU

2024 DT Gabriel Arnold from Merritt Island (Fla.) during his visit to WKU. (Gabriel Arnold)

Drew Toennies • InsideHilltopperSports

Staff Writer

The Hilltoppers added some electric defensive strength to next year's roster this week, landing a commitment from Gabriel Arnold, an intriguing defensive tackle from Merritt Island (Fla.) in the class of 2024.

The 6-foot-6, 275-pound recruit out of the Sunshine State sat down with InsideHilltopperSports.com to go in-depth on his recent commitment to Western Kentucky, revealing what ultimately led to his decision.

"WKU has been scouting me since May. Ever since I went up there on June 16th, I have been thinking about going there. Honestly, the academic support and their masters program is what really made me make up my mind."

— Gabriel Arnold

Arnold said that he has connected the most with WKU assistant coach, co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Zach Lankford and liked his hospitality and his flexibility around planning.

Another aspect of Coach Lankford that stood out was his competitiveness as well as his passion for what he does.

"Coach Zach Lankford is the one I connected with the most. He had great hospitality and is very flexible around planning. I really like his competitiveness and passion for what he does."

— Gabriel Arnold

Arnold said that he feels similar to Coach Lankford and is especially impressed with Coach Lankford's knowledge of the game and his technique.

The rising senior out of Merritt Island, FL. said that Coach Lankford's knowledge is good for him as he continues to learn more about the game of football.

"I feel like Coach Lankford and I are alike somehow. His knowledge of football is insane, not to mention his knowledge of technique, which is really good for me because I still have to learn a lot about the game."

— Gabriel Arnold

During his visit to Western Kentucky this past June, Arnold said that what stood about the Hilltoppers' program was how players that didn't need to be there showed up to hang out and work out on the field.

"Honestly, what stood out to me the most was that some players that didn't need to be there were there chilling or working out together on the field. I can tell the team is fun to be around and so is the game to them."

— Gabriel Arnold

In addition to being recruited by the Hilltoppers, Arnold held eight other offers, including several notable G5 opportunities.

Arnold chose Western Kentucky over offers from Charlotte, Florida International, Marshall, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, South Florida, Tennessee Tech and Tennessee-Martin.

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