Gilbert Gildersleeve III – Cornerback – Angelo State
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: Height is 5’11, weight is 183 and 40 time – 4.47.
Alex Khvatov: Where will you be training for the NFL Draft?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: I still don’t have a set place to train, so most likely back at my university.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall experience at the FCS Bowl all-star game in Daytona Beach, FL.
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: My experience was good. I had a great time during the game using new techniques that my DB coaches taught me while there. It was an overall fun experience.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest thing that you will take away from that weekend?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: The biggest thing I would say was elevating my game because being on the D-II level, you sometimes tend to play down to that level. But being at practice made me realize that I have to keep my foot on the pedal every play.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the best player that you have faced at the FCS Bowl?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: WR from my team (National Team) Aaron Blockmon.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your teammate DL Markus Jones?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: Markus is one of the best athletes I have ever seen. He is a great person on and off the field as well.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: Some programs that were interested in me out of high school were Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M and Middle Tennessee St.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you decide to go to JUCO?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: I wasn’t a qualifier for D-I, so I decided to try out junior college to get back on track.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to Angelo State?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: I felt it was the best fit for me. I loved the aggressive scheme the coaches had for the defense, and it just felt like home when I visited.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: My strengths would be my eyes and footwork. Also the way I bounce back and have a short-term memory whenever I get beat on a play.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: Areas to improve on are using my hands more at the LOS because sometimes I tend to depend on my feet and give the WR a free release.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: My overall career has been fun. You learn so much from life by playing the game of football. This game made me who I am today.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: It hasn’t happened just yet, but I’ll be the first in my family to get my second degree next semester.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: The highlight of my career is catching my first career pick six against the defending D-II National Champions.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: I learned from my coaches on every level to never take a day or any play for granted because you’ll never know when it could be your last. Also they taught me how to be accountable for all my actions while having a great attitude no matter the situation.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: Oakland Raiders.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: My favorite players of all time are Sean Taylor and Deion Sanders. My favorite player now is Aaron Rodgers.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a CB?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: Having good eyes, active hands, quick feet and being a sure tackler.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: I look at the QB for a couple seconds before the snap to see if he gives the WR and hand gestures for a hot route. Then I look at the WR to determine what routes they love to run. That comes with a lot of film study to determine that. It helps when you have to guard multiple guys because it shows you who is shifty off the line or who is just going to give a speed release and get into their route as quick as possible.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: Keke Chism, Blake Harrison and Darrick Dickerson.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: Zimari Manning (Tarleton State).
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: The brotherhood that come with it. I’ve made some of my closest friends through football and that includes players and coaches.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your biggest role model and why?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: My mom R.I.P. She showed me, and my sister how to work hard and never give an excuse for anything.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: A leader to me is someone who doesn’t always lead by words, but usually leads by example. A leader is also a person who shows respect to everyone around no matter the circumstances. Also being accountable for their actions and holding their teammates accountable for theirs.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: Working out, watching film and playing PlayStation 4. Nobody can beat me in NBA 2k or Madden.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: I want to start my own training facility for middle school kids all the way up to the pros. That’s always been a dream of mine.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: Accountable, relentless, competitive, consistent and confident.
Alex Khvatov: Who will win the National Championship in CFB this year?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: Alabama.
Alex Khvatov: Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?
Gilbert Gildersleeve III: LA Rams.
