Kentucky athlete a versatile star
Whether a college program views him as a runner or a run-stopper may
ultimately determine where one of Kentucky's top prospects will wind up in 2003.
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Lexington Bryan Station's
Markeith Gillis, a 6-foot-1, 250-pound running back/defensive end, says
he's being projected at a number of different positions by recruiters, but
definitely has a preference.
"I want to play offense," he said. "I want to be a
running back. That's my mentality."
The mentality of some scouts, however, see a defensive
star in the making. It's easy to see why with a frame capable of carrying more
weight, a 315 bench press and a 4.6 time in the 40-yard dash.
"A lot of schools look at me as a defensive player, a
defensive end or linebacker," he said. "That's OK, and it may be what I end up
doing, but I really want to be a running back. That's my goal right now."
Miami (Ohio), Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee Tech have
reportedly offered scholarships and are receptive to Gillis playing running
back. Others, such as Kentucky, Louisville, Tennessee, West Virginia, Boston
College and Ohio State, are still evaluating Gillis to see where he fits in.
"I like Kentucky and Louisville," he said. "I'll be
thinking about them, I'm sure, but my top team right now would have to be Miami
of Ohio. I like what they've had to say so far."
Gillis will be camping at Tennessee and Eastern Kentucky
this summer.
The Defenders struggled to a 1-8 record last season, the
first without prep All-American back and Florida State signee Eric Shelton (who
has since transferred to Louisville), but Gillis stepped into the role of the
team's leading rusher admirably.
He played in only seven games due to a sprained ankle,
but finished with 112 carries for 614 yards and four touchdowns to earn all-city
honors and honorable mention all-state recognition from The Associated Press
and The Louisville Courier-Journal. He's eager to expand on that as a
senior.
"I'm looking at this as my breakout year," Gillis said.
"I'm going to have a big year. They're expecting big things out of me, so I've
got to be the team leader."
Gillis said he's patterned his running style after three
of his favorite NFL backs: Jerome Bettis, Eddie George and Marshall Faulk.
"I like Bettis because he's a big guy like me and he
just looks to punish people," Gillis said. "He'll run over anyone, and that's
the way I look at it when I'm on the field. I'm not going to let one guy take me
down.
"Eddie George and Marshall Faulk can do it all, so
that's why I like them. I hope to catch the ball coming out of the backfield
more this year."
An all-around athlete, Gillis has also participated on
the Defenders' wrestling and track and field teams. He competed in the 2002
state wrestling championships, posting a 2-2 record in the 275-pound weight
class.