Penn State DT Transforms Into Pass-Rush Specialist Before Joining Tennessee
Xavier Gilliam, a 6-2, 302-lb defensive tackle, evolved from a redshirted freshman in 2024 to a rotational starter in 2025, recording 16 tackles, 2 tackles-for-loss, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble in 13 games. His differentiator is an intense offseason focus on pass-rush technique, adding nearly 35 pounds of muscle to sharpen his leverage and speed. Playing alongside leaders like Zane Durant and Dani Dennis-Sutton, Gilliam earned goal-line and first-quarter snaps, showing high intensity and a team-first mentality. Now reuniting with Jim Knowles at Tennessee, he’s a perfect fit for a defense that values versatility, growth, and rotational depth. Care about him because he’s a high-intensity, rapidly improving DT with proven playoff experience and a clear upward trajectory.
