Gillespie is developing into a top tier offensive lineman from the 2028 class. He measures in at 6’2 290-pounds. He plays tackle for Cherokee Trail; however, I believe with his skill set he can play throughout the line. Gillespie has very good initial quickness out of his stance paired with very good hand speed to engage the defender first. Maintains a good knee bend to achieve a low pad level paired with very good balance and body control. He has very good strength, hand strength, and hand placement to consistently control and steer the defender at will. Very good foot quickness. Gillespie has a stout anchor not getting moved easily. Uses his hands to combat pass rush techniques and lock them out. Very good run blocking. He does a great job pull blocking and blocking out in space. You can see the fire and physicality that he plays with on each rep. He’s earned himself an offer from Coastal Carolina with more coming on the way!

After a tremendous showing at the Prep Redzone Stock Up showcase, I had to check out Soph Kanoa Gillespie Kanoa Gillespie 6'2" | 291 lbs | OL Cherokee Trail | 2028 State CO ‘s tape.  Fellow Prep Redzone scout Matt Tate detailed his performance HERE and his highlight tape from his 8 varsity starts this season backup his showcase performance showing the loads of potential he has.

The first thing I loved was how tight his elbows were when he fits up the the run game, utilizing good hand placement to grip up and create displacement.  He consistently drives his feet after contact and does a great job getting two cleats in the ground before striking.    He is quick out of his stance which helps help reach DL often.  He’s also got great balance to maintain blocks at awkward angles downfield.  In pass pro, Kanoa shows the ability to quickly vertical set keeping his feet close to the ground – at times he can over set by a step or two, but has the quickness to redirect inside and run DL through.  I’m sure he will work on that going into next season.

HT: 6’2 WT: 278.2 Wingspan: 75” Hand Size: 10.25” 40 YD: 5.58 L-Drill: 8.51 Broad Jump: 6 ft 6 in Pro Shuttle: 5.03

Gillespie had one of the biggest hands at the event. Very good strength with very good foot quickness, body control, and balance. Good knee bend. During the coaching portion, he was very attentive and implemented what was taught. He did a great job during the 1 on 1 against the defensive line. Very good initial quickness out of his stance, using his good knee bend to maintain a low pad level. Very good hand speed, with very good hand strength and hand placement. Used his foot quickness to match his opponent and lock them out. Neutralized the opponent and knocked it out of the park. Great job by the rising tackle.

Gillespie is another up and coming offensive tackle. It’s been a pleasure watching his growth over the past 2 years season. The 6’2 275-pound right tackle won himself the starting job, and his play demanded it. Gillespie has very good strength. Very good foot quickness, body control, and balance. Good knee bend. Good initial quickness out of his stance, very good hand speed to engage first. Low pad level to out leverage the DL. He has very good hand strength, and hand placement. Controls and steers the defender with ease. He excels at both the run and pass blocking. Very good pull blocker with his good acceleration and speed. He rips through the defender and creates a lane. Very good anchor. He neutralizes the pass rush moves with ease. Very good blocking out in open space. He’ll find himself work if uncovered. He has very good competitive toughness. Playing with that fire and tenacity. If he’s initially beaten, he will quickly readjust and win the rep. Kid’s a beast who is just getting started.

Gillespie is a rising star at the offensive tackle position for CT. Measures in at 6’2 275 pounds. Off the bat, he has very good strength, body control and good balance. Good initial quickness out of his stance and maintains a low pad level to out leverage the DL. Very good hand strength and placement. He overpowers the DL and moves them around with ease. He matches the footwork of the defensive lineman, and locks them out. He is a phenomenal run blocker, creating lanes for his RB. He has the athletic ability to run out in space and block on the perimeter too. In pass protection he excels. He has a good anchor and good knee bend + flexibility. Kanoa has very good competitive toughness, playing through the whistle. At the UNC camp, Kanoa showed off his skills winning reps against seniors and juniors. Gillespie is a fantastic young man with high character, who is consistently trying to learn and improve his game! He is a beast and a name to watch out for going forward.

Gillespie is a young lineman who plays both OL and will be playing more DL going into next season. Measuring in at 6’2 275 pounds, the freshman already has good size. Very good strength. Gillespie has good initial quickness out of his stance. Very good hand placement and very good hand strength to control and steer the defender away. Consistently over powering, and redirecting them. He has good footwork, and a good knee bend. He maintains staying square has very good body control. In pass coverage, he has a good anchor and neutralizes the pass rusher. Very good against spin moves. Gillespie also has the athletic ability to go out in space to block. Good speed, and acceleration. Gillespie thrives with physicality. I was very impressed with his film. He will be an anchor on Cherokee Trail’s offensive line for years to come.