Interview: 4-Star 2021 Virginia DT James Gillespie Updates Recruiting and Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the 2018 Virginia high school football season had ended, another top talent had emerged from the tough 6A trenches – James Gillespie. Gillespie was a brut for Woodbridge eating up offensive lineman as a defensive tackle for an estimated stat line of 36 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, and four sacks. The Vikings have kicked off their 2019 season with crowded interest in the stands and from the next level. Gillespie enters the schedule as a four-star prospect with 12 offers sitting on the table and with a nice list of top programs ready to see the evolution of the game for the 6-2, 300-pound, line mover.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I got a few minutes with Gillespie ahead of his visit on Saturday to North Carolina for the Miami game going over his offseason workouts, start to his junior season, and recruiting process.
Interview
James, during the 2018 season you did such a great job of generating drive as a nose guard pushing centers and/or centers and guards back. That strength may be natural but some of it has to come from the weight room. What are your weight room maxes?
“Yes. I don’t know my maxes. My best guess for bench is around 310 and my squat is around 415, but I really don’t know for sure what my maxes are.”
Another aspect of your game I really like is your motor – you never quit. What are some of the other strengths to your game in the trenches?
“Not getting pushed back and splitting double-teams, those are my two main strengths. Another is being smart.”
What did you work on over the offseason to prepare for the 2019 grind?
“I worked on my pass rush; that was my main thing. I worked on club-rip and being more flexible.”
I know the first game of the season did not turn out the way you wanted, but how did the game go for you personally?
“I did well. I had four tackles, all for a loss. I did my job. We have a bye week this week. I will keep working hard and we will get the team back in sync like last year.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Virginia Tech, Louisville, Clemson, and Wake Forest; those are the main ones I can think of off the top my head.”
How many total offers do you have?
“I have 12 offers.”
Gillespie’s Offer Sheet: Alabama-Birmingham, Kentucky, Liberty, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Old Dominion, Penn State, Pitt, Virginia, and West Virginia
Did you take any visits over the offseason?
“Yes. I went to Penn State for their last bash BBQ. I also went to some camps this summer.”
Which college camps did you go to this summer?
“I went to Alabama, LSU and Mississippi State.”
Of the three, which did you turn in your best camp performance?
“My best camp was the LSU camp.”
What did you do well to make that your best camp performance?
“My drill work and my pass rush.”
Are you planning on taking any visits this fall?
“I am going to North Carolina this weekend. I am pretty sure I am going to Penn State for the White Out game against Michigan.”
That’ll be fun. What has you excited about the trip to North Carolina on Saturday?
“They are playing Miami; there is a lot of hype on this game. It is a night game too. My parents are going with me, they have not been there yet. This will be their first time meeting the coaches and their defensive line coach.”
As mentioned, the Vikings have a bye this week and then welcome Patriot. What kind of game are you expecting from their offense?
“We have not seen their film yet; it has not been exchanged. By looking at their highlights online, we will see a lot of RPOs (run-pass options) and outside runs.”
What are some of the other big matchups on the schedule this season you are excited to play?
“The Freedom (Woodbridge) and Hylton (Woodbridge) games; both are divisional games. They are good teams in our district.”
James, it was great learning more about your game and recruiting process today. I appreciate your time and wish you success the rest of the way this season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Gillespie family; James Gillespie at Penn State and LSU