Academy Ties: 3-Star DL commit Matt Gemma and sister

Talented defensive tackle and Army 2023 commit Matt Gemma has been one of the most intriguing recruiting narratives since Jeff Monken took over the program 9 years ago.

Here are just a few highlights surrounding his recruiting by the Black Knights:

1. Was the first prospect to commit to Army’s 2023.

2. Instantly became the biggest cheerleader for Army football relative to other prospects considering the Black Knights of West Point.

3. Despite his early verbal commitment to Army, Gemma has kept putting in the work and one notable event was his dominance at the Rivals Camp in Philadelphia, which subsequently netted him a Rivals 3-star ranking and national recognition … albeit and as per Gemma himself, his pledge to Army is rock solid.

4. And whenever the talented incoming defensive tackle can make a stop and/or visit to West Point, #99 will be there, which leads us to yesterday’s event.

“I took another visit today … unofficial and it was a quick trip,” declared the upbeat defensive tackle commit. “I brought up my older Naval Academy sister and to show her the better academy {laughing}.”

Gemma was making reference to his older sister, Lilliana Gemma, who plays soccer for the Midshipmen and is going into her sophomore year at the Naval Academy.

“It was her first visit to West Point. She was absolutely blown away by how beautiful the campus and the facilities are. She said she felt very welcomed by all the coaches and players we got to meet. She has nothing but great things to say concerning Army Football.”

We asked the D-tackle what was his sister’s reaction when initially committed to West Point back in February.

“She was nothing but proud,” Gemma explained. “She’s a great older sister and mentor. She's one of the people who helped me make my decision and the reason I wanted to go to an academy.”

So when Army and Navy go head to head in their classic annual contest, who does Matt feel Lilliana will be rooting for?

“Unfortunately I think she will still be rooting for Navy …however when I get on the field I know what team she will be rooting for {laughing},” shared the product of Morristown (NJ) Delbarton High School.

By the way, there’s another Gemma, who is just as athletic as Matt and Lilliana … her name is Abby and she is an up-and-coming soccer player at IMG in Bradenton (FL) and will be playing college as well. She is deciding where she wants to go right now.

Of course, we can not forget to extend credit where credit is due and a large portion of the credit goes to dad, MJG (Matthew Jonathan Gemma) and mom, Linda Gemma.

“I am extremely proud to have a daughter at the Naval Academy and a son committed to West Point,” shared their dad. Both of them wanted to be part of something special … and they love their country.”