Minnesota Prep Showcase MVPs – Defensive line

Brian Jerzak April 23, 2022 @ 10:33 PM

Nearly 200 athletes took part in the two-session Prep Redzone Minnesota combine today. The college coaches from around the state who ran many of the drills picked an MVP from each position group. One of the MVPs from session one was [player_tooltip player_id="138248" first="Wyatt" last="Gilmore"], a sophomore defensive lineman from Rogers. "Today went really well," Gilmore said. "The (coaches) showed us a lot of drills that are really going to help us if we do them in the future. I am happy with how I did." Gilmore had some specific goals in mind coming to Brooklyn Park. "I wanted to learn. The coaches showed us a lot of drills here. I (also) wanted to get some looks from colleges." It has been a busy off-season for the Royals’ sophomore. "I have put on 25 pounds since last season. I just got done with basketball – I came off the bench and was a rebounder and defender. Now I am throwing and doing the high jump, long jump, and 100 in track." Putting on weight is part of the reason Gilmore switched positions. "It was kind of the coaches’ decision, but at the same time, I have gotten a lot bigger, and my team needed it, so I stepped up." "It was my first year playing defensive line," Gilmore continued. "I used to play linebacker. I am pretty raw (as a defensive lineman) right now. I have a lot of stuff I have to work on, but I just have to keep working." Gilmore’s raw but impressive strengths were on display Saturday morning. "I think my strengths are my explosiveness and my speed. I have been working on my pass rush moves." Before changing positions, Gilmore was already a solid contributor to the Royals’ defense. "As a linebacker, I was good at reading the offense and hitting hard – going full speed and never giving up on a play." <strong>Gilmore observations during one-on-ones</strong> Was quick around the corner with a nice rip move. Great speed around the corner allowed him to completely blow by the offensive lineman. Good rip move on an inside pass rush. Started on an outside pass rush, cut inside to beat his man