Interview: College Programs are Finding 12-Offer 2021 Maryland TE Neil Gill
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A couple of moves outside Neil Gill’s control has made all the difference in the world. Coming up through the Maryland high school football ranks as a defensive lineman, the coaches at Fallston moved him to tight end ahead of the 2019 seeing great results. Gill became that throwback tight end with a hand in the dirt enhancing the running game and became a key target in the passing attack four games into the season after a switch at the offensive coordinator position. The 6-5, 240-pound, Class of 2021 recruit ended his junior run with 17 receptions for 305 yards and four touchdowns, and now has an offer sheet in the double-digits.
As Maryland players await the announcement of the start to their 2020 season, Gill sat down for an RNG exclusive interview.
Interview
Neil, during the 2019 season you were that prototypical tight end getting after it with a hand in the dirt and running routes off a tight formation. Looking back, how did your junior season go overall?
It went pretty good. We did not start passing to the tight end until Week 4. We switched offensive coordinators midseason due to an illness. After that, I was more involved. Our new coordinator put me in the slot and had plays designed for me, not just blocking but being a bigger part of the team scoring wise.
The Cougars were running a pro-style attack, how were your skills being utilized overall on offense?
It was used well. There were games when we switched it up. At the end of the season we ran a Spread, that’s when I’d go into the slot. When we ground and pound, that would set me up. We’d do a pop pass to me that would get 8 to 15 yards off a play action. My quarterback would toss it up over the middle of the field to me.
As a target in the passing attack, you were running some dump, or pop passes, and drag routes. What were some of the other routes they had you executing?
The biggest route was a corner. I’d run 12 yards and break it 45 degrees, I had some jump balls, and a bender over the middle where I was reading the safety. I’d draw the safety to me or get the pass over the cushion.
You do a great job of catching with your hands and rolling with your quarterback in zone coverage to get open, what are some of the other strengths to your game as a tight end?
I am hard to take down, I always try to keep going. I don’t worry about getting hit, I go into it trying to break tackles. Another strength is how I can read defenses. If I need to run a route differently based on the defense, I will. If I am pressed, I how to break it.
Throughout the offseason, what have you been working on to prepare for your senior season on offense?
I never trained hard until I decided to play college ball. This offseason I went to a gym in Maryland and worked hard. I went from 215 last season to 240 this season. Throughout the quarantine, I have been working hard and getting more agile.
You got snaps on defense last season as well, will we see more of you on defense in 2020?
I think so. All our defensive linemen graduated. Last season I was in there to help. Before I played tight end, I started on defense. Playing on the defensive line is built in me more than tight end, I have known that longer. I want to contribute more on both sides being a bigger team player.
You kind of touched on this a minute ago, going in more depth. What have you been doing to add more speed and power to your game this offseason?
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday we lift heavy doing bench, deadlift, and lifts like that. We test every couple of weeks. I am continuing to work on my agility getting on the balls of my feet to run faster. I was slower last year. The agility workouts are all the basics, ladders and cones, and quick change of direction drills. I have worked on overall being bigger, but being lean and quick.
Did you get to post a 40-yard time this offseason?
Last time I ran one was back around March, I ran a 4.8 then. Feeling it would be lower now.
After all your hard work, I’m sure too. When you maxed out last in the weight room, what did you hit?
On deadlift, it was low before the offseason but the other day I hit 450 on three reps and my bench is at 260 now. My maxes have gone up.
What is the team practice schedule like going forward?
Right now, our county is only allowing conditioning. We are running on the field. Hopefully we can do more football drills soon. Right now, we are not sure what will be allowed in practice.
When does the 2020 season start in Maryland?
Our county has not said anything. It went from March to May, that was the original plan with five weeks of games. Then it seemed like they might clear us this fall. Right now, I’m not sure what will happen. I think we will play in the spring. If they cleared us now, there is not enough time to get everything together.
For all involved, I hope it works out where a full season is played and all teams get enough time to properly prepare to avoid injuries. Let’s turn to some fun stuff, let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are showing interest this fall?
Delaware, Virginia, and Virginia Tech; they want to see another season because I have only played tight end for a year. Davidson and Bryant are showing interest as well.
How many offers are you holding?
I have D-II and D-III offers, Elon, all the Ivy League, I have a good GPA, and Duquesne.
Wow. What’s that total in offers?
Over 12.
Nice. Before the dead period began, did you get to take any unofficial visits?
I got to visit Davidson and Delaware.
Have you taken any virtual visits?
Yes, I took one with Stonehill.
Do you have any planned visits you’d like to take once allowed?
Delaware, I like them a lot. Hopefully I can visit some FBS schools too, especially if we have a season. It will all depend on who is showing interest at that time.
You mentioned your GPA previously, what is your cumulative?
My cumulative GPA is a 4.5.
Impressive. Have you taken the ACT or the SAT?
Yes, last weekend I took the ACT. I am waiting for the score.
Last question, are you competing in any other sports for Fallston?
Yes, basketball.
Neil, thanks for your time today. Keep up the hard work this fall preparing for the season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Gill family; Neil Gill