Tennessee football had an overhaul of its defensive staff, bringing in defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Most recently, Knowles served as the defensive coordinator at Penn State, where he spent just a season.
When Knowles took the job with the Vols, he brought along a number of assistant coaches to help with the transition. However, potentially making the most impact are the players who joined. He brings in linebacker Amare Campbell, safety Dejuan Lane, edge rusher Chaz Coleman and defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam.
Gilliam, entering his redshirt-sophomore season, met with the media on Monday to discuss the transition to Tennessee. During the press conference, he touched on why he decided to follow the staff and join the Vols.
“I really like the defense,” Gilliam said. “I like how we’re playing the defense. Also, Tennessee is a great opportunity to play at this school. So, that’s why.”
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Gilliam is now a key piece in helping his teammates adjust to Knowles’ scheme. Some have said in the past that it can be a difficult one to pick up, but having helping hands like Gilliam around could go a long way in bridging things in year one.
“Kind of sharing my input,” Gilliam said on how he helps. “I feel like I am also one of the older guys in the room. If a young guy is doing something and I see him, I’ll be like, ‘Hey, maybe you should do it this way instead.’ Just little things like that.”
Gilliam is also poised to make a big impact himself on the field. He played a sizable role at Penn State a year ago, notching 15 tackles, two tackles for loss and half a sack in 13 appearances for the Nittany Lions.
One of his assistant coaches, who is also on Rocky Top, Andrew Jackson, has seen Gilliam continue to improve heading into this season. He noted that Gilliam was someone who ‘flashed big time’ at practice the other day as a pass rusher from the interior.
