Interview: 4-Star 2021 Virginia DE Kelvin Gilliam is on a Quest for Five

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When it comes to 5A high school football in Virginia, Highland Springs is as good as it gets. The Springers notched their fourth consecutive state title in 2018 with a 15-0 mark taking down Stone Bridge 37-26 for the trophy. The Springers defense was unkind to the opposition throwing shutouts in seven games while allowing a touchdown or less in four other contests. One of the reasons for the gnarly defense and another banner to hang was the play of 2021 defensive end Kelvin Gilliam.

With an offense averaging 49 points per game and a defense keeping teams to seven points each time they stepped on the field, many of the Springers did not get much of a chance to fully fill the stat sheet taking in water on the sidelines in the second half. But Gilliam was still impressive with the work put in with the time given tallying 44 stops, 11 tackles for a loss, six sacks, and nine quarterback hurries while forcing a fumble. The 6-3, 240-pound, defender earned second team All-Region honors as a sophomore while going up on college recruiting boards across the country in the process. So far, 16 schools have dropped an offer on Gilliam’s front door step with more teams ready to see his game in 2019.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the four-star recruit ahead of the Springers’ season opener on Friday against Avalon to see the progress in his game over the summer with a recruiting update.

Interview

Kelvin, the Springers had an amazing 2018 season going undefeated and start the year off ranked No. 1 by MaxPreps in-state. How is the team looking in fall camp?

“We are preparing for the road to five. We are polishing things up for our game on Friday. We are working on team bonding. We are looking in pretty good shape.”

What will be some of the strengths to this year’s squad?

“This year it is our linemen. We have five returners on offense and our whole defensive line back. We have a lot of experience returning up front.”

You guys open against a very good Avalon (MD), what are you expecting from the Black Knights offense?

“They have an athletic quarterback. We are expecting their quarterback to run, things like that.”

Last season, you showed you were tough against the run and could pressure the quarterback. What did you work on this offseason to take your game to another level?

“I can stop the run, I worked on getting to the quarterback faster, my get off, and things like that.”

Where are you seeing the biggest improvements?

“My get off has improved. I am changing my stance up some, that has helped with my get off. I am working with my hands a lot.”

Are you taking on any new roles this season?

Yes. I will be the second-string offensive tackle.”

Nice. Did you show the skills off at any college camps this summer?

“Yes. I went to Duke and West Virginia.”

Of the two, which was your best camp performance?

“I would say they were about the same. I beat a lot of offensive tackles with my pass rush. I worked on my technique with the coaches at both camps.”

What did you learn at the camps that will help you going forward?

“I worked on overall technique. They showed me things for my pass rush. They showed me some moves that I can use and how to get to the quarterback faster.”

Which schools are showing interest entering the season?

“Purdue, Texas Tech has shown a lot, and Florida.”

How many offers do you have?

“I have 16 offers.”

Gilliams’ Offer Sheet: Duke, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Michigan State, N.C. State, North Carolina, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Toledo, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia

Aside from the camps, did you visit any programs this offseason?

“Yes. I took a trip to Virginia Tech and UVA (Virginia).”

How did the Virginia Tech visit go for you?

“It was a good visit. That was my fifth time going there. I was hanging out with the coaches, seeing the new players coming into their program, and learning more about their scheme.”

And the UVA visit?

“It was great. I got to sit down with Coach (Bronco) Mendenhall (head coach). He was telling me why I should go to UVA, how I would be used in their scheme, and how it is a good fit for both of us.”

That’s cool. Are you planning on visiting any programs this fall?

“I would like to visit Clemson and Michigan.”

Last question. What goals have you set for your junior year?

“My goal is to make the whole defensive line better. My goal is to get to the QB faster and end the season as five-time state champs.”

Kelvin, thanks for your time today and good luck to you and the Springers on your quest for five.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Gilliam family; Kelvin Gilliam at Virginia and Virginia Tech