Charlie Campbell
Especially in the NIL world, with players jumping from one school to another, there are a lot of players who can go from obscurity to having a breakout season in college football. One player who is enjoying a breakout year in the SEC is Tennessee defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam. The former Penn State Nittany Lion has been superb for the Volunteers this season, and he is commanding attention from evaluators. In speaking with team sources, Gilliam is creating a huge buzz with NFL scouts.
“This kid will go in the first if he comes out,” said an AFC director of player personnel. “He’s a stud. He was really good vs. Texas last Saturday. I also saw him at the Georgia Tech game in Week 2. He’s the real deal.”
Thus far, Gilliam has 15 tackles and four sacks with a forced fumble in only four games with Tennessee. Gilliam (6-2, 305) in his first season as a full-time starter, and he could continue to rise as he gains experience. In my latest 2027 NFL Mock Draft, I have Gilliam going on the opening night of the draft and team sources feel he is on that track with a big buzz building about him with team sources.
Walt