Interview: 4-Star 2021 Virginia DE Kelvin Gilliam has Official Visit to Oklahoma Set

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There is good reason Class of 2021 Highland Springs defensive end Kelvin Gilliam seemingly has an offer from every Division I college football program in the nation, the kid can play. Gilliam had a breakthrough season in 2018 coming up with 44 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, six sacks, nine quarterback hurries, and forced a fumble earning second team All-Region honors. The 6-3, 255-pound, defender created even more chaos as a junior earning first team All-Region and second team All-State honors. The high level of productivity on the field has led to four-star recruiting status for Gilliam along with 30 offers dropped on the doorstep.

In a return to the RNG Lab, Gilliam catches everyone up on his play on the field, offseason workouts, and planned recruiting visits which includes one official visit set.

*Click link for previous RNG interview with Kelvin Gilliam

Interview

Kelvin, you were a force again in the trenches for the Springers impacting the game on defense. When the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?

“I feel like my strengths were stopping the run and my pass rush. I was getting to the QB and limiting his time in the pocket. Playing offensive line and defensive line was a great asset to my team.”

Which areas of your game showed the biggest overall improvement on defense?

“My improvement, reacting to blocks better. Seeing the offensive lineman’s stance, I was seeing if it was a run or pass play before the play.”

Taking the experience and improvement from last season, which areas of your game are most important for you to improve upon this offseason?

“Better reaction time, like on screen passes, and getting to the QB quicker.”

Are you working on any new moves to rush the passer?

“Yes. I am working on a frequency of moves, the long-arm stab, swiping down, and using my speed.”

Going over to the offensive line. What are you working on with that part of your game?

“I’ve been getting with the rest of guys; I am the only returning starter – I’ve been getting with them to get the chemistry back.”

In the weight room, what are you throwing around for your maxes?

“My bench is 320, my squat is 460, and my power clean is 300.”

All fantastic.

“Thank you.”

On the recruiting trail, which schools are showing interest?

“Cal, I talk to their defensive line coach, Coach (Andrew) Browning, each week, USC, I’ve been talking to Coach (Vic) So’oto, he went there from UVA (Virginia), and Oregon, I’ve been talking to Coach Joe (Moorhead – OC).”

How many offers have been handed to you?

“Twenty-nine.”

Gilliam’s Offer Sheet (30): Air Force, Arizona State, Arkansas, Boston College, Central Florida, Duke, East Carolina, James Madison, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Michigan State, N.C. State, North Carolina, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Old Dominion, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Carolina, Temple, Toledo, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia

*James Madison offered after this interview

Over the last few months, which schools have you visited?

“This winter I took visits to Penn State and Michigan in January.”

How did the Penn State visit trip go?

“It was a great visit. I felt at home and the coaches were attentive. I sat down with Coach (Jerry) Franklin (head coach) and his staff. It was a great visit.”

And the Michigan visit?

“Seeing Coach (Jim) Harbaugh (head coach) and learning his philosophy was great. I learned what the position coach would want from me as a pass rusher. Seeing the campus was great too.”

Once recruiting picks back up, do you have any planned trips lined up?

“Oklahoma, Penn State, South Carolina, West Virginia, and probably Virginia Tech.”

Of those visits mentioned, will any of them be an official visit or are they all unofficial visits?

“Some will be official visits. The Oklahoma visit will be an official.”

Gilliam’s Top 15 List: Arkansas, Penn State, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Pitt, Michigan, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Boston College, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Arizona State, and North Carolina State

You dropped your Top 15 on March 19; when the time comes to make a decision on the best place for you in college, what will that ideal school have to earn your commitment?

“Mainly a school where I could play early, a family-based school, and a school that can develop me as a player and as a man.”

As you are getting more serious about the recruiting process, do you have a commitment date in mind?

“Before my senior season or during the season.”

Kelvin, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with all the upcoming visits planned.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Gilliam family; Kelvin Gilliam at Penn State and Michigan