Virginia Tech has sent out their fair share of new offers this week including one to 2024 DE Xavier Gilliam out of Wilde Lake HS in Columbia, MD.
Blessed to receive a offer from Virginia Tech University !!!#gohookies @TylerBowen pic.twitter.com/H7yaYiF4FR
— Xavier Gilliam (@XavierGilliam_) January 17, 2023
He had this to say about his reaction to receiving a VT offer.
"I was surprised and excited. had been talking to them for a couple months and then today (Tuesday), Coach (Tyler) Bowen came up to my school and we talked for a little bit, then he offered me!!" Gilliam said.
He had this to say about how his conversation with Tyler Bowen went as a whole.
"It was good. I really felt comfortable talking to coach Bowen. He’s a super chill down to earth person," Gilliam said.
This offer comes amidst an offer surge Gilliam as he has received offers from Wake Forest, Pittsburgh, Duke, Liberty, and Massachusetts since getting a VT offer. He also has offers from Ole Miss and Boston College that he landed in December.
So how did this offer impact his recruitment and where VT stands in it?
"This was definitely a big offer for me to pick up, especially being a kid from the DMV. Also, VT is a good school with a good program so I am definitely happy to take the next step with them," Gilliam said.
Gilliam also added that he has four schools currently standing out for him in Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, Wake Forest, and Liberty. He had this to say about why the Hokies are currently standing out for him.
"It’s relatively close to home, and I already have a good relationship with the coaches," Gilliam said.
Gilliam's recruitment surging shouldn't come as a surprise given his strong junior season where he had roughly 20 tackles for loss including 8 sacks. So what are the strengths of Gilliam's game that have helped him get to this point and the weaknesses he feels need the most improvement?
"One of my strengths is when I get my hands on a guy, I feel like I own him. This is not necessarily a weakness, but something I need to work on is pass, screen, and run recognition," Gilliam said.
Looking ahead, Gilliam told us that he is targeting a March visit to Virginia Tech while also looking to take visits to Wake Forest and Pittsburgh soon as well.
Xavier Gilliam's recruitment is taking off with the Hokies being a top contender early on.
