The Jaelen Gill Story is Just Beginning
by Ayo Fapohunda
Posted January 4, 2016 8:38 pm
Class of 2018, Jaelen Gill, michigan state, ohio state, penn state, Westerville
Photo courtesy of 247sports.com
It has been awhile since we last wrote a piece here at Preps.com, but there is no better way to make a comeback than introducing Westerville South’s sophomore sensation Jaelen Gill.
The first time I ran into Gill, during a workout session at D1 Columbus, I immediately knew there was something special about him. As a 14 year old freshman, he had the size and athleticism every college recruiter wants and needs. My first inclination was that if he honed his skills as a defensive back, he would be a bonafide first round talent. That was until I saw him tote the rock this past fall. Typically, I tell any superior athlete with Gill’s frame to pursue playing defensive back over tailback, due to career longevity, and the basic economics of the game, Gill is my first exception. Looking at Gill’s versatility as a ball carrier and pass catcher makes him far too dangerous not to put the ball in his hands. As a 6’1 175 pound sophomore, it is hard not to have a imagination about his potential on the offensive side of the ball.
Rod and Shelly Gill are what separates Ohio’s next phenom from the pack. The humility Gill carries himself with, comes from the values his parents instilled in him since he was a star midget football player. All too often in today’s “social media age” you see too many egotistical self absorbed athletes that are only worried about tweeting their next highlight tape. Not this kid, Gill is a team first guy that is willing to put it all our there for his teammates, with only the games outcome in mind. Along with being a superstar on the football field, the Westerville South sophomore also thrives in the classroom.
When you talk to college coaches about him, the first thing they say is he has to be an Ohio State lock. With the success the Buckeyes have had, and him being right in their back yard. Why wouldn’t he be? Well, if you talk to Gill and his family, that may not be the case. Although Gill has strong interest in the hometown program, he also has an itch to get away from home. Programs like Arizona State and UCLA, who have already offered, intrigue him and with a cousin that plays for the Raiders, he has no problem calling the west coast home. He has also shown strong interest in southern programs like Florida State, Miami, and Clemson. Already boasting multiple Big Ten offers from programs such as Michigan State and Penn State, Gill may end up being the most heavily recruited player in the class of 2018.
Over the years we have seen plenty of star athletes matriculate through the system and become very successful college and NFL players, so don’t take it lightly when we say. The Jaelen Gill story is just beginning.
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Class of 2018, Jaelen Gill, michigan state, ohio state, penn state, Westerville