Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1503568
1 0 6 A U G U S T 2 0 2 3 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M I t's the little things that sometimes make a big difference in recruiting. That was the case when defensive tackle prospect Xavier Gilliam of Columbia, Md., took an official visit to Penn State on the first weekend of June. Considered one of the Nittany Lions' top interior defensive line targets, the 6-foot-2, 260-pound Gilliam was im- pressed with the hospitality he received while on campus. He had been to Penn State three times previously, but never with his parents. When the family did finally have a chance to talk with head coach James Franklin and new defensive line coach Deion Barnes, their conversa- tion helped Gilliam make up his mind. He committed on June 4. "Penn State is definitely an amazing university," he said. "I really got to expe- rience that over the weekend. They've always been very consistent and show- ing interest in me ever since they of- fered. They've shown me a bunch of love. "When I got on campus for my offi- cial then, it was crazy. Everyone knew my name, even people I'd never met be- fore. Stuff like that always makes you feel good." It felt good enough that Gilliam called off subsequent official visits he had planned to NC State, Duke and Virginia Tech. He had received just over 20 schol- arship offers before announcing his deci- sion. In addition to the schools he planned to visit, he was being pursued by Mary- land, Ole Miss, Pitt, Texas A&M and West Virginia. Although Penn State envisions him as a defensive tackle at the college level, he's listed as an edge rusher by On3. Gilliam has received a three-star grade and is the No. 51 defensive end nationally and the No. 14 prospect in Maryland, per On3. "He is a dynamic athlete who has an incredible presence around the line of scrimmage," Wilde Lake High coach Brian Henderson said. "He's being looked at as a hybrid pass defender who can put his hand in the ground or a stand-up rush end from the boundary. He's explosive, strong and very intelligent, and he can change direction with a drop of a dime. "His best asset is how coachable he is. This young man has not reached his po- tential." Gilliam was the first defensive lineman to join Penn State's class, but he won't be the last. The Nittany Lions are expected to sign as many as three defensive tackles and two edge rushers. Barnes figures to be key asset in that ongoing effort, just as he was in Gilliam's recruitment. "Coach Deion is a new coach, but I do believe in him, and I believe in what he can do for Penn State and for me," Gil- liam said. "I'm excited to be that first guy. To be honest, after spending time with him and everyone, it was a no-brainer for me." ■ COMMITMENT PROFILE XAVIER GILLIAM Gilliam called off visits to NC State, Duke and Virginia Tech after announcing on June 4 that he planned to sign with the Nittany Lions. PHOTO BY RYAN SNYDER Xavier Gilliam falls just outside the top 900 prospects in the On3 Industry Ranking, but he was a high priority for Penn State. So, are the Nittany Lions settling, or have they uncovered a hidden gem? Let's take a closer look. STRENGTHS Athleticism: Gilliam has the ability to chase down plays from the backside. He's a natural one-gap penetrator who uses his quickness and size to body his way into the hole and run to the football. Frame: Despite being 6-foot-2, Gilliam has the ideal length for a defensive tackle. He's got 33-inch arms, which is the gold standard for linemen. On top of that, he has a thick lower half and is well- developed from a physical standpoint. Effort/physicality: Gilliam does a good job of shooting gaps and putting pressure on the offense to run away from his side of the ball. Defense is about the pursuit of the football, and he has that skill down. AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT Strength and block shedding: While he has a good strength profile, Gilliam isn't a freak athlete. He lacks the high-end strength of current PSU linemen Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant, but he still should be a very good lineman once he gets into PSU's weight program. Pass-rushing plan: Gilliam doesn't use his hands well as an interior pass rusher and tries to bully his way into the backfield more than stack and shed. He does sometimes show a good bull rush, but overall, he lacks a plan until he's on the outside. PROJECTION Three-technique defensive tackle: Gilliam is a classic Penn State defensive tackle prospect in so many ways. He's long, athletic, and has the potential to grow into the position. He does lack prototypical size and power, but that doesn't mean he can't be an effective player who is disruptive at the next level. Strongside defensive end: If he decides to play on the edge, where he seems to enjoy pass rushing the most in high school, this is a possibility. He'd have to manage his weight and work on his speed, but he's got the length to play here. — Thomas Frank Carr P L A Y E R E V A L U A T I O N To Versatile Defensive Lineman, PSU Feels Like Home RYA N S N Y D E R | R YA N. S N Y D E R @ O N 3 . C O M