Interview: College Camps and Visits Planned for 4-Star 2022 Louisiana OLB/SS Javae Gilmore
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As the high school and college football game is leaning more and more to the Spread and Air Raid attacks, versatility on defense is a must for coordinators. While hard to find, having a player that is a run stuffer while capable of covering the slot, No. 2 receivers, tight ends, and running backs opens up options on defense while limiting offensive schemes. At Amite High School, Javae Gilmore is that unique player.
The 6-4, 200-pound, standout earned first team All-District and second team All-State taking on Louisiana attacks playing that hybrid outside linebacker/strong safety role. On his way to the postseason honors, Gilmore was awarded four-star recruiting status with 16 offers dropped.
In an RNG first-look conversation, Gilmore takes us on the field learning more about his roles within the Warriors scheme while updating us on his summer recruiting visits via college camps.
Interview
Javae, you have that knack for being around the ball and making a play. For your success on the field, how do you prepare during the week?
My JV team shows me everything; I want to thank them. I also watch a lot of film on Hudl, lift weights and do drills to prepare.
Your size, speed, hitting, and cover skills allows the Warriors defense to utilize your talents in different ways. If you will, break down your role within the team’s defensive scheme?
A ballhawk. I go hunt the ball down as that outside linebacker/strong safety; that is most of it.
As a safety, how did your cover skills improve throughout the 2020 season?
Reading the field, it got easier the more I saw everything like on streaks, posts, outs, and corners. My coach showed me a lot about being a safety, the scheme, and how to handle it.
With your cover skills, what are you working on this spring?
I am working on reading the field. On the board I go over what I am seeing pre-snap, what to look at, and what I have to do at each situation.
How are you adding more speed to your overall game?
Getting a speed trainer to help get my speed. I do all the drills and work the ladder. My trainer helps me with my hips, opening them up and getting me faster.
Are you playing 7v7 ball this offseason?
Yes, with the Bootleggers. I’ve played with them in multiple tournaments.
Going against all that top competition from throughout the region and country, how did it go for you?
It wasn’t hard at all. I kept working hard and showed I am one of the top kids in the nation. I love to compete. If you can compete, you can do anything.
Are there any national camps coming up you may go compete at this spring?
I am going to an Under Armour and Rivals camp coming up. Until now, I’ve been focused on spring ball.
Are there any college camps you may attend?
Right now, I am looking at Mississippi State, LSU, Florida, and Michigan camps. I have been hit up for a lot of camps; there are a lot to go. I will be on the road a lot this summer.
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
I’m not really sure. They’ve been talking to my mentor. Once they offer me, then they start talking to me. Michigan is showing the most and West Virginia.
How many offers are you holding?
I have 16 offers.
Which program was the last to offer?
LSU was the last one.
Gilmore’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisiana, Louisiana-Monroe, LSU, Memphis, Mississippi State, North Carolina, North Texas, Ole Miss, SMU, South Alabama, Southern University, and Virginia
You have the camps scheduled, are there any visits you may take official or unofficial this summer?
For official visits, I don’t know yet. I will take an unofficial visit after each camp.
Javae, I enjoyed talking football and recruiting with you today. Thanks for your time. Good luck at the upcoming camps.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Gilmore family; Javae Gilmore