Photo Credit: Harley Taylor
Virginia Tech has made four-star defensive lineman Kelvin Gilliam one of their top overall priorities in the 2021 recruiting class. The Hokies heavy pursuit of Gilliam has paid off so far as the Highland Springs star shared with us.
Gilliam told us that Tech is among six programs currently standing out in his recruitment along with Penn State, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas. Additionally, Gilliam told us that he plans to trim down his list this month with VT being one of the schools currently standing out for him that is certain to make the cut then.
He had this to say about why the Hokies are currently standing out for him.
"They’ve been so consistent in my recruiting process and always give that family vibe," Gilliam said.
Tech is also among those pushing the hardest with Gilliam telling us that the Hokies, Penn State, South Carolina, and Oklahoma recruiting him the hardest.
It's as close to a whole staff push as you could get with Gilliam being in regular contact with head coach Justin Fuente, defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton, defensive line coach Darryl Tapp, and CBs coach/area recruiter Ryan Smith. Through it all, Tech has had a consistent message focusing on wanting Gilliam to be a part of the changes happening in Blacksburg.
"This is a big change for VT and they want me to be a part of it," Gilliam said.
Relationships with potential future position coaches usually also play a valuable role in recruitments. The good news for the Hokies is that Kelvin Gilliam has built a "very good relationship" with Darryl Tapp and adding this about why.
"Just the connection we have and his background in the NFL and he knows exactly how he see me in his philosophy," Gilliam said.
While Gilliam hasn't taken a virtual visit to Virginia Tech largely because of the high number of visits he's taken to VT in the past, he did receive a tour of the new weight room, new coaches' office, and new team room; all of which he "loved" and "can't wait to see in person."
Kelvin Gilliam is one of Virginia Tech's top overall priorities and a player that Virginia Tech badly needs to land. At this point, the Hokies are in a strong position, but have plenty of work ahead to try to land the Highland Springs star.