AJ Gillie, a 6-foot-2, 328-pound guard, a native of Natchitoches, Louisiana, played in the first LGF Bowl or known today as the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl. Since arriving in Lafayette, he has made a lasting impact on the team. Going into his final season as a Cajun, I expect AJ to have his best season yet.
AJ has been named a first-team Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference and Outland Trophy Watch list member last month, now been placed on the Senior Bowl Watch List.
In 2023, AJ started all 13 games at left guard for the Ragin’ Cajuns and he tallied 41 knockdowns through the regular season and posted a season-high grade of 94 percent at Minnesota. Gillie added a grade of 93 in a win over Texas State and was a key member of the offensive line where he helped the Ragin’ Cajuns offense rank second in the SBC in rushing offense and third in scoring.
In 2022, as a redshirt sophomore, he played and started in all 13 games during the season while rating as one of the top linemen in the Sun Belt Conference. Registered a team-high 53 knockdowns on the season with 11 coming against South Alabama (Oct. 1). Graded 80-percent or better in 11 games, including a 93-percent grade in three contests. Graded at 87 percent with six knockdowns against eventual SBC champion Troy.
In 2021, as a redshirt freshman, Gillie started 12 of 14 games at left guard. Member of the offensive line that ranked fourth in the Sun Belt and tied for 42nd nationally with 1.86 sacks allowed and paved the way for Louisiana’s rushing attack which ranked 40th in the nation with 187.1 yards per game. The upfront unit was named a Joe Moore Award Semifinalist for their impactful play.