Garry Gilliam Moving To Offensive Tackle

I am officially an Offensive Tackle!

— Garry Gilliam™ (@GarryGilliam89) February 7, 2013

Garry Gilliam announced on Twitter today that he would be switching positions, moving from tight end to offensive tackle, to do what he could for the team, but, as an added benefit, freeing up room in the stacked tight end position at Penn State.

Gilliam, who has eight career catches for 86 yards, has reportedly already put on nearly 40 pounds from his weight at the beginning of the 2012 season to tip the scales at almost 300 pounds. As the Nittany Lions' best blocking tight end, the transition to the offensive line should be more seamless than normal for the rising redshirt senior. It should be noted that Gilliam could apply for a sixth year of eligibility after sitting out 2011 with a knee injury.

The move makes sense as the graduation of Mike Farrell has left a spot open at the tackle position and the Penn State tight end stable is deep. Looking at the line, Donovan Smith has one outside position locked up, but the other tackle spot will be up for grabs. Fighting for that position will be redshirt seniors Gilliam, Adam Gress, Nate Cadogan and redshirt sophomore Anthony Alosi. Eric Shrive has also been on the depth chart as a tackle in the past, but he could see a move inside to guard this year. Gilliam's move from tight end also allows for more playing time to be spread among that talented group which includes Big Ten Freshman of the Year Kyle Carter, former walk-on Matt Lehman, Jesse James, Brent Wilkerson and incoming top recruit Adam Breneman.

You can more information on the move over at the Nittany Lions Den.

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