‘They Treated Me Like Family:’ WPIAL DE Will Gorman Picks YSU

Imani Christian Academy defensive lineman Will Gorman remembered the words of his head coach LaRoi Johnson when visiting one of his top college choices over the weekend.

“Coach Johnson, he always tells me, ‘Go where they show you the most love.’

That message helped Gorman lock in his commitment to Youngstown State University on Tuesday.

“I had other offers, but when I went up to Youngstown State, they really showed me the love,” Gorman told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “Youngstown, I walked in the door and they immediately treated me like family.”

Proud to announce my commitment to play football at Youngstown State University @ysufootball. Thank you @youngstownstate @YSUsports @1coachshep @fbcoachdp @Coach_Haneline @Rays_World9 @210ths @Chise89 pic.twitter.com/n5iYBIv2B0

— Will KI Gorman (@willkigorman) June 24, 2025

Everything the 6-3, 240-pound Gorman was looking for in a program was right at his fingertips when he visited.

“They’re really big on development and I wanted to go somewhere that I could not only play, but also develop. Also, it’s close to home and it’s good to be around your support group and people you know that can help you out through your college journey,” he said.

Another aspect that stood out to Gorman on his visit was the financial investment Youngstown State has into its football program.

“When I got up there, I learned they are a fully funded program,” he saidl “I was pretty surprised by that and that was another thing that contributed to my decision. They got everything. They’re fully sponsored by Nike. Every player is fully sponsored by different families.”

Special teams coordinator and defensive ends coach Pat Shepard built a bond with Gorman after a spring practice and then when he received a YSU offer at the Imani Christian college showcase in May.

“Coach Shepard, he told me everything. He told me about him. He was really personal and I really appreciated that. I think that’s why they stood out to me and he’s a local guy from Pittsburgh,” Gorman said.

When Gorman arrives at YSU, he can play either at defensive end or depending on his work on the weight room, move to the interior of the defensive line.

Gorman selected YSU over other offers from Akron, Bowling Green, Troy, UNLV, Miami (OH), Dartmouth, Hampton, Georgetown and Sacramento State.

Check out the Hudl highlights of Will Gorman here.

When it comes to the remainder of the offseason, he plans to work on his strength and speed heading into his senior season at Imani.

“It’s 100 percent my speed right now,” he said. “Always improve on everything because you can always get better no matter how good you are at something. Definitely getting stronger and getting faster because I know I have to get better because college football is a different animal.”

For more on all the WPIAL offers and commitments, check out PSN’s Western Pennsylvania recruiting board here.