Name: Reggie Gilliam
School: Toledo
Position: FB/H-Back
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 244
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Before the start of the 2019 season I set a few different goals. The first one being to become a more consistent in my approach to the game. More film study, more practicing intricate blocking and route running techniques. Another goal I set was to expand my role on the team and be more than just a threat in the run game and on special teams. I wanted to play a bigger role in my teams passing game. I did have more catches this past season than any season I’ve had at UT but unfortunately did not have as many yards as I did in the 2018 season. Then finally, I set a goal to block more punts than I did in 2018, unfortunately that didn’t happen because teams had different schemes each week to make sure I didn’t get to their punter whether that was doubling or triple teaming me.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches and teammates would say I’m the old school type of football player, my HC Jason Candle actually compared me to a flip phone because I’m nothing flashy but I get the job done and that’s a perfect comparison in my opinion. I’m not the type of guy that wants all the attention on me or wants everyone to praise me I just want to get my job done and help the team win. My coaches would say I’m a selfless team-first guy who is coachable and willing to do whatever it takes.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
When studying myself in film I’m focusing on my footwork, first steps, feet on contact, feet at the top of routes etc… I’m also checking my body posture, making sure I keep my head up so I can see what I’m hitting and also making sure my hands are in the right position to strike with a good punch. When I’m studying opponents I look for tells in their stance or in their demeanor to be able to see what play the defense is running or what they’re about to do.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
The thing that separates me the most is my versatility and my attitude. I can do just about anything you ask of me. I’ve done everything on offense at some point in my career whether that was running the ball, passing the ball, in line blocking, out in space blocking, pulling, anything you could possibly do. And I like to think that I’ve done it all at a pretty high level. My strength, speed, and agility allow me to do a lot on the field. Then as far as my attitude, I feel like a lot of guys do not have the attitude or presence of mind towards life like I do. A lot of times guys shut down when things don’t go their way or things get hard but that’s never been an issue for me. I just put my head down, go to work, and get through whatever it may be.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I spent the last couple months training at Grossetti Performance in Pennsylvania and I feel like that really took my game to a higher level. I learned many new techniques that ultimately made me stronger and faster. I trained up until when my pro day was supposed to be but then the NFL cancelled all pro days due to the COVID-19 pandemic so that really put a dent in my plans. As a result, I had to find other ways to showcase my abilities to NFL teams so I thought a video of my pro day would be a good idea. I went to Walmart and bought a smartphone tripod and set my phone up to record myself running a 40, short shuttle, 3 cone drill, some ladder and cone drills and then had a little help from my trainers to record the other pro day workouts. From there I knew I needed to get some drills of how well I move on film so I had one of my good friends and teammates, Bailey Flint, who is also really good with a camera record me route running and catching so I could get a video out.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I bring the ability to change things up. I can line up and play wherever a team may put me which can cause problems for a lot of defenses. I also take a lot of pride in how well my running back performs and I know that my running back can’t have a good day if I am not opening up holes for him. I like to think of myself like Kyle Juszczyk and the way the 49ers use him. I can be that guy for other teams. The guy that does whatever is asked of him and does it well whether that’s catching, running or blocking. Juice is my favorite player to watch. I’ve been modeling my game after him since he was in Baltimore.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?
I will bring versatility to your offense, effort to your special teams units, and you won’t ever get a complaint out of me.
Please watch this man Reggie Gilliam. 14 in white. He’s out here bullying people down field. 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/b2dOT38QHY
— Jordan Strack (@JordanStrack) September 22, 2019