Interview: 2022 Massachusetts DE/TE Chris Gill is a Next Level Talent on the Rise
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A dominating force on the field has risen from the Malden Catholic gridiron in Chris Gill. The Class of 2022 defensive end and tight end was a terror colliding against Massachusetts competition playing end in the team’s three-man front and continued the bone-jarring hits on offense as a glorified extra offensive tackle at tight end. Using technique, speed, and strength, the 6-3, 240-pound, talent plays at a level beyond everyone else on the field. His productivity has brought early interest coming in from Holy Cross, Bethune Cookman, and UConn.
With a big season ahead, Gill stopped by the RNG Lab for a detailed conversation breaking down his game and workouts this offseason.
Interview
Chris, as is you are a big guy, but your action on the defensive line has you playing even bigger. That comes with strength and leverage. Are you a workout disciple?
Yes, especially during the quarantine. I built my own weight room. I’ve been working out in the garage with my brother. We got a squat rack from the Boston Fire Department; the more resources the better. With the weight room we put together, I don’t have an excuse about working out and being a gym guy.
Have you been able to max out with the weights that you have?
Yes. I was able to max out on some lifts. I dinged my left shoulder last year, I had to get back at. My max on deadlift is 445 and my hang-clean is 255.
Lining up in the team’s 3-4 scheme last year, what were your responsibilities?
Our defense is gap control, I had the B or C gap. With my skill set I could bring more to the field. I was able to find other ways to help my team last season. I was lining up in a two-point stance on the tight end, spying the quarterback, and dropping back as a linebacker. Last season I led the team in tackles for a loss, I was able to get in there a lot. My backside pursuit was really good, I had to, teams ran away from me.
Frustrating for you, but a sign of respect as well. Once the season ended, what did you feel were the overall strengths to your game as a defender?
One was with the open-field on my side, riding the tight end containing the edge. Inside, my stunts were very good and I was staying low. Choosing the right move against different players was a strength. I was mixing up my moves using a power rush if they were too far back of if they were bending over using a spin move.
You also got snaps in on offense at tight end. How were your skills on offense being utilized during your sophomore season?
On offense, they relied heavily on me in run game. On outside runs, I was crashing down taking out two or three people on a down block. I was strong in the passing game too. I am a strong run blocking tight end.
When you began working on your game this offseason, what did you focus on with your technique on defense?
As a defensive lineman, hands, hands, and hands, and my first step. Working with a defensive line coach, we worked on my hands a lot. I went heavy working on being the best player I can be. I worked on finding the right move in each situation and extending my toolbox. The goal was to have muscle memory on my moves.
Which moves have you been working on this offseason?
The double-swipe is one of my favorites, especially off the edge. The pound move, that’s two steps into the offensive lineman. I have speed and power coming off the edge, if I can get my power into him on a slow kick back, I can get past him with my rush.
And what about on offense, what have you been working on there?
Routes and being able to get in and out of my breaks faster. My brother is a college tight end (Stonehill). He has helped me with my initial get off. Being a physical guy, I thought you could run through that contact, but getting away from that to minimize the contact is better.
Defensive end and tight end are a mainstay, where else might we see you line up this season?
During my sophomore year, I was only off the field for one or two plays. I was on all the special teams, even returned some squib kicks. I’m doing it all against and staying at tight end and defensive end as my primary positions.
What style of defense will you guys execute?
I believe we will use a 3-3, but we also have a 4-2.
And the offensive scheme?
We run a double-wing, two wings, two tight ends, and one running back. We do a lot out of that like Auburn’s offense. They spread it out too.
Chris, I enjoyed covering all of this ground with you today. Wishing you and the team success preparing for the 2020 season this fall.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Gill family; Chris Gill