Interview: Versatile 2021 3-Star Wisconsin TE Garrett Gillette is Back on the Recruiting Market
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Top offensive coordinators look for key mismatches they can bring to the field in every game, regardless of the opponent, Garrett Gillette is one of those guys. The 6-5, 230-pound, standout for Mukwonago High School is that player who can line up tight delivering in both the run and passing game, go in the slot or on the outside beating corners, linebackers, and/or safeties, and is a devastating lead blocker as a fullback/H-back. The versatility and abilities afforded any collegiate playbook has brought 13 offers to the three-star Wisconsin recruit. On May 24, Gillette verbally committed to Arizona State but on Oct. 20 a parting of ways took place along the recruiting trail opening Gillette’s process back up.
In an RNG initial interview, the three-sport athlete updates us on his senior season on the gridiron with a quick look at his recruiting actions.
Interview
Garrett, during your junior season you were all over the field for the Indians lining up tight and on the outside. Once the 2019 season was completed, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game on offense?
Getting down the field fast, I was beating everyone off the line, and I was hitting hard. My blocks were a strength and I was hitting hard.
Throughout the offseason, what did you work on with your game on offense as a receiving threat?
My quarterback and I along with a few other receivers worked on routes every day after workouts. I did a lot of speed work, but mostly focused on routes.
The stat sheet has you adding about 20 pounds to your frame from the 2019 to 2020 season. What were you doing in the weight room to bulk up?
Oh, I was putting up weights, getting bigger, eating a lot, and drinking protein shakes.
Which lifts were you doing?
All of them; bench, squats, and power clean.
Did you get a 40-time in over the offseason?
Yes, during the spring I ran a 4.6-flat during track.
The Indians are five games into the 2020 season, where all are you lining up during your senior run?
I am lining up at fullback, tight end, outside receiver, point after attempt, PAT block, punt, punt return, and kick return. On defense, I am playing 8-tech/outside linebacker.
What style of offense are you guys running this season?
We run a flex offense.
Which routes on the tree are you running?
A lot of 10-yard outs, drags, corners, and we have a few tricky ones in there.
What defensive scheme is the team lining up in this year?
We run a 3-4. In our last game, I was 8-tech, a standup defensive lineman.
How is playing defense going?
I love playing defense, I love hitting.
After all the work put into your game, where are you showing the biggest improvements on offense as a receiving threat?
My speed, for sure. I am beating everyone down the field with my long legs. My cutting has improved, super quick cuts, and my routes have improved. If I see a safety sitting to the left, I cut to the right to get past him.
How has your blocking improved?
I am laying dudes out. Weighing 230, I am hitting hard.
Is there an area to your game that might get overlooked?
My motivation, I get the team fired up before the game.
Your athletic talents extend beyond football as well. What other sports do you play?
I do track and basketball.
Garrett Gillette at Michigan
Which track events?
The high jump, triple and long jump, and 200 meters.
Which is your best event?
The high jump. I went to state last year in the high jump; I jumped 6-4, which is my PR. In practice I was jumping 6-6 and 6-7.
Nice. Do you remember any of your basketball stats?
I was averaging 16 points a game.
Playing which position?
Center.
Going into your recruitment in football. How many offers do you have?
I had 14 before I committed.
Gillette’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Ball State, Buffalo, Central Florida, Central Michigan, Fordham, Iowa State, Liberty, Michigan State, Northern Iowa, Ohio, Toledo, and Western Illinois
Which schools are showing interest?
Pitt, Boise State, UCLA, Miami-Ohio, Purdue, UCF again, and Washington.
What are you looking for in that next level fit?
I am looking for a perfect fit for me, I don’t want to commit to a school again that does not want me. I want to take my time and make sure it feels like home, and I want to win games.
Do you have a commitment date in mind?
I am taking my time for sure now, I want to make sure it is the right fit.
When visits are allowed again, hopefully in January, are there any programs you’d like to visit?
I liked to see Pitt, Boise State, UCLA, Washington, Miami-Ohio, and UCF for sure.
Garrett, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your senior year until we talk again.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Gillette family; Garrett Gillette