Interview: Eriq Gilyard is a Textbook 2018 Outside Linebacker for Trinity Christian
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
There are a lot of different things a linebacker has to do to be successful on the field. The top two, stop the run and cover the pass. All the other little things thrown in there like blitzing, tracking down plays going the other way, shedding blockers, and communicating offensive plays to defensive teammates ahead of the snap add up to making a truly great linebacker at any level. Class of 2018 Trinity Christian Academy inside/outside linebacker Eriq Gilyard fits the description and is adding to his skill set.
Depending on the recruiting service, Gilyard is either a three- or four-star recruit but in the eyes of college recruiters he is a needed piece for their 2018 class. The list of suitors putting offers on the table for Gilyard are extremely impressive, especially this early in the recruiting game, with Alabama, South Carolina, LSU, Duke, Colorado, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Central Florida, Nebraska, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, and Clemson being among the many.
Gilyard rose up recruiting boards being a consistent and every down inside linebacker for his Jacksonville squad since his freshman season. In 2015, the Conquerors put it all together for a perfect season running the tables to a 14-0 mark winning Florida’s Class 3A state championship. The 5-11, 220 pound, talent had a team-high 87 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, four fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles during his sophomore season.
Through three games into his junior season, rough stats has Gilyard with 24 tackles, two tackles for a loss, a pass breakup, a forced fumble, and one interception.
In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I caught up with one of Florida’s best to get an overview on his high school career to date, an update on his junior season, and caught up on his recruitment to date.
Interview
Eriq, when did you get the call up to varsity?
“Actually when I started from the first day in high school. I played my freshman year at the varsity level and started every game.”
What are your strengths on the field?
“Some of my strengths are my quick reactions to plays and reading plays. I’m good at stopping the run too.”
What are your goals for the 2016 football season?
“The goal I set for myself was to get everyone around me better and win another championship.”
Speaking of championships, you guys went 14-0 last season but are off to a 2-2 start this year. Are the Conquerors capable of making another deep run into the playoffs to defend their title this year?
“Yes, sir. We do have a great team this year. We are getting everything gelled together. I have no doubt that we will pick it up. We’ll be there in the end and show everyone why we are a great team.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2016 as a letter grade?
“So far this year, I’d say a B, because I feel like I am playing my part and doing my role but there is still more that I have to do. I am also working on being a better leader.”
What has been your best game in 2016 and why?
“My best game was against Cocoa (lost 26-23 in OT), they are a top tier program. I played really well. We came up short but I played a good game.”
Over the summer did you max out in the weight room?
“Yes, sir. I only maxed out on bench lifting 315.”
Did you run a 40-yard dash this summer?
“No, sir. I have not ran a 40-yard dash since the ninth grade.”
Transitioning into recruiting. How many offers do you have right now?
“Sixteen.”
Which schools are recruiting you a little bit harder than the others right now?
“Virginia Tech, N.C. State, and Clemson.”
Are there any schools showing interest but have not offered you yet?
“Yes, sir. Right now Stanford, Notre Dame, and Michigan State.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes, sir. I’ve visited quite a few schools. My latest one was N.C. State last weekend.”
How did your visit to N.C. State go?
“It was nice. I liked everything up there.”
What all did you do there?
“When I got there I talked to coaches before the game a little bit. We watched the game, talked to coaches after the game and came back.”
What type of feedback have you received from these colleges about your game?
“They tell me that they like that I am a dynamic player who makes plays. That is what they are looking for when they are recruiting players.”
Do you have any visits coming up?
“Yes, sir. I plan on visiting Clemson on Oct. 15 (N.C. State game). That’s all for now.”
What is your current GPA?
“My core is 3.8 and my weighted is 4.2.”
Do you have plans to take the ACT or SAT?
“I plan on taking them soon. I’m talking to my grandparents about when to schedule them.”
Are you playing any other sports for Trinity?
“No, sir. I’m focused on football.”
This might be a tough question for you, who is the best player you have lined up against at the varsity level with Trinity Christian?
“The best player I have played against with Trinity, that’s a tough one right there. Probably, in my honest opinion, Cameron Wakefield at Lee High School (Jacksonville). We played in a practice game against them.”
What was tough about him?
“I played with him before, and knowing him as a good athlete, he’s small (5-7, 170) but real dynamic with the ball.”
Another tough one for you, what was the best college football game you watched over the weekend?
“I enjoyed watching Auburn and LSU. I have two close friends that play for Auburn. I also enjoyed watching the Notre Dame and Duke game.”
Eriq, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: everipedia.com; No. 10 Eriq Gilyard takes the field.
Photo credit: jacksonville.com; Trinity Christian celebrates 2015 state title.
Photo credit: scout.com; Eriq Gilyard.