Gator Country

Florida senior offensive lineman Cole Gilliam played in three games this season for the Gators. / Gator Country file photo by Tim Casey

As a senior walk-on offensive lineman Cole Gilliam didn’t see much playing time in his first three seasons. But his hard work and determination has paid big dividends for him as his career comes to a close.

Gilliam, a 6-foot-4, 325-pound lineman from Valrico, Fla., came into the 2009 season with Florida as a walk-on, following shoulder surgery after his senior year of football.

He shined in high school as a lineman, earning a first team all-conference selection as well as a second team all-state selection in his junior season.

However, as a part of the Gators, Gilliam has had a relatively quiet career. In his first two seasons, Gilliam didn’t see the field at all and only dressed out for nine total games.

His hard work paid off for him when he not only got to play against UAB and Furman, but also dressed out for the Gator Bowl against Ohio State.

This season, Gilliam has seen more playing time than most of the Florida walk-ons. He played against non-conference for Jacksonville State in the Gators’ home finale and also saw time against two SEC opponents: Kentucky and South Carolina.

That is what is so admirable about Gilliam. He kept working hard, despite only dressing out for a handful of games in his first two seasons, and it has allowed him the opportunity to play in some marquee games for the Gators.

His persistence and determination not only characterize himself, but also it shows that this Florida football team consists of respectable and competitive young men.

About the author

DrewLaing

Drew Laing is a junior at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. Before college, Drew lived in Lakeland, Fla., his entire life. He began in journalism during his senior year of high school and has continued studying it throughout college. In addition to his internship at Gator Country, he is the Editor-In-Chief of The Samford Crimson and a collegiate correspondent for USA Today. Drew enjoys the finer things in life like Tampa Bay Rays baseball and PB&J sandwiches.

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