Interview: Late Call Up for 2020 Centennial WR Ronald Gilliam Serves a 2017 Purpose

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Major League Baseball uses the practice of calling up prospects on September 1 expanding the 25-man active roster to a 40-man roster for a purpose, to get the next wave of talent an opportunity to experience and learn the game from the best of the best. During the 2016 season, Corona’s Centennial High School used the practice knowing their freshman class will be called upon as sophomores in 2017 to contribute to the long ongoing success of the Huskies.

In southern California, Huskies’ head coach Matt Logan has a long history of success at the highest level. His Centennial squads are routinely not only one of the best teams in the state of California but in the nation – 2016 was just another year of excellence on the field for Logan, roster, and coaching staff. Centennial proved they could play with any team in the nation on any given Friday posting an 11-2 record with their only losses coming to end of season Top 5 MaxPreps rated teams in IMG Academy (50-49) and California state title winner St. John Bosco (49-47) in the playoffs.

By season’s end, a handful of junior varsity and freshmen players were pulled up to Centennial’s active roster to get a taste of what it takes to play at the highest level. The commitment to achieve greatness goes beyond Friday nights with hard work needed to be put in on the practice field, the weight room, and in the film room. Class of 2020 wide receiver Ronald Gilliam was one of the young talents Coach Logan and staff believe has the right stuff to be a key contributor in 2017.

“Ron-Ron” ended his freshman season with 600 receiving yards and nine touchdowns scored in eight games played at his grade level. The 6-0, 165 pound, speedster has a chance to fill a roster spot for the departing seniors that include Justin Fisher (58/1,355/21), Troy Spencer (39/713/5), Xavier Marshall (32/499/5), and Blake Edward Jenkins (20/244/2) next season. That is 149 receptions, 2,811 yards, and 33 touchdowns from just the top senior receivers listed on the 2016 roster that will be gone next season. The Huskies have four-star 2018 quarterback Tanner McKee and rising Class of 2018 receiver Manuel Allen coming back. Gilliam and the rest of the Huskies’ underclassmen have some big shoes to fill before the 2017 schedule begins.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Gilliam to get an overview on his freshman season and his off-season workouts to find out how one of the expected key contributors to the Huskies team in 2017 is preparing himself for California varsity football.

Interview

Ronald, how did your freshman season go?

“It went great. It was fun.”

Where all did you line up on the field?

“Just at receiver.”

When did you get called up to the varsity level?

“Our last varsity regular season game against King (Riverside).”

What was the experience like for you practicing with the Huskies’ varsity squad?

“It was so exciting. When I first got out there I was so nervous but I got used to it.”

What were some of the things you learned being around the older guys on the practice field and by watching them play during your freshman season?

“I learned to always stay focused and how to run my routes better.”

How did your game get better with the experience you gained during your freshman year?

“During my first game I messed up, but I practiced a lot and kept working. I got better and better by the end of the season. My route running got better and my speed got better.”

What are you working on in the off-season?

“My routes, my speed, footwork, and my weight.”

Do you have a weight goal for the start of next season?

“I want to at least be 170.”

After being called up at the end of last season, have the coaches talked to you about getting ready to be a potential starter in 2017?

“Yes. I am expected to start.”

That’s great. Are you playing on a 7v7 team this spring?

“Yes. I’m playing on Gridiron.”

How have practices with Gridiron gone for you so far?

“Pretty good. So far so good.”

In the practices, what is it like going up against varsity guys?

“I like it. They are teaching me a lot. I’m getting me more competitive.”

Have you already started looking at exposure or college camps for this off-season?

“Yes. I’m looking at USC and UCLA camps.”

Are you playing any other sports for Centennial?

“Basketball and track.”

How is the basketball season going?

“It is going pretty good.

Do you know which track events you might compete in this spring?

“The 200 and 100.”

Do you have a goal or time you want to hit in the 200 or 100?

“This is my first year running track. I don’t know what I’ll be able to do yet.”

Last question, what is your favorite part about playing football?

“Hanging out with my friends, learning from the coaches, and getting better.”

Ronald, thanks for your time today and good luck with your 7v7 season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Metre Anthony; No. 2 Ronald Gilliam in action.