NM- Talk about your visit over the weekend. What coaches have you been in contact with from the university of Cincinnati?
TG- I have been in really close contact with (offensive coordinator/tight end )coach (Mike) Denbrock, he’s the main coach I have talked to from the University of Cincinnati. However, when I was on my visit I talked a lot with (recruiting) coach Max (Steinecker), and (recruiting) coach (Pat) Lambert.
NM- Talk about what it was like on campus this weekend as it was Homecoming, the first time ever college GameDay has appeared in Cincinnati. What stood out to you the most?
TG- I went to the Cincinnati versus Miami Game earlier in the season and it was insane. When I came back for the Tulsa game and they somehow pulled it off again, it was about three times as loud as what it was for the Miami game and that was crazy to me. What stood out tot me was how the whole city of Cincinnati has Cincinnati’s back no matter what.
NM- You mentioned it being your second time on campus, talk about the energy you felt on campus being a recruit, especially with everything surrounding that game with Homecoming and college GameDay. Where you able to attend college GameDay? If so, what was that like for you as a recruit?
TG- Yeah, I was there for College GameDay, it was just super energized, lots of hype, those fans lived up to it for sure. It felt good walking by and people seeing your twitter posts that you have received an offer, they all stopped and were telling me how I should commit and such. Also seeing all the little kids that were running around, having a good time, makes it pretty cool as well because, I have a big family and I am the youngest out of seven, so that is pretty cool. It’s an environment young children can actually be apart of and remember those times of their childhood.
NM- I see you’re a duel sport athlete as well, how does that mindset help you prepare being a player that is dynamic in two sports, and how that has helped you become one of the best tight ends in your class, and in the state of Ohio?
TG- I just have the mentality to outwork anyone and everyone, no matter the hardwood or the field. Everyone keeps telling me I am one of the top tight ends in my class and the state of Ohio, but I am a top tight end in the country and soon everyone will see why that is. God is always great.
NM- Talk about your game a little, as a 6-foot-6 tight end, what areas would you say are your strengths as a player?
TG- Well, I think my athletic ability, along with my size helps a lot, I can out jump anyone who is guarding me. Unfortunately our offense this past season, the ball wasn’t seen in the air as much, but I show in my basketball tape, how much bounce I actually have. I also really enjoy and take pride in blocking until the whistle blows. You can see some real solid blocks in my film as well.
NM- You’re a physical player, talking about your game, how would you describe your game?
TG- To be honest, I am not sure how I would describe my game, I just think I am a difference maker.
NM- Being on campus for now two games in arguably their biggest season in program history, what comes to mind when you hear Cincinnati football, especially as a tight end knowing the history of tight ends that have came from Cincinnati?
TG- When I hear Cincinnati, I think “elite” and how they are becoming a powerhouse.
NM- What are some goals you are looking to accomplish ahead of your junior season, coming off the season you just had?
TG- I want to have over 1,000 receiving yards, 10+ sacks, and 10+touchdowns on the season. Also want to earn All-State Honors and hopefully get some All-American accolades.
NM- Who are some players you model your game after, knowing you play both sides of the ball right now?
TG- Kyle Pitts and Chase Young.
NM- What should coaches expect to get out of you as a player looking to take their game to the next level, what should they look for?
TG- I’m going to not only push myself to the max, but will expect all my teammates to rise up to that same level too. I just don’t quit and never will. So when my brother to my left and right start slacking because they are tired, I’m going to hold them accountable just as well as I would myself.
NM- A leader, I see you are capable of playing both sides of the ball is that something you’re looking forward to maybe accomplishing at the next level?
TG- Not really, I would like to play just one side of the ball and some special teams. Offense or defense, that is up to the coaches recruiting me though.
NM- Awesome, I know you’re now focused into basketball season as football just ended, talk about how that has helped you stay in shape ahead of next season?
TG- Conditioning is much more crucial for basketball. So staying up to par on that is what really helps and just being all around good at the sport keeping myself flexible and moving around is great.
NM- Talk about the recruiting process a little bit. What has it been like for you however only being a sophomore, coming off a strange year like Covid?
TG- Well freshman year I didn’t know anything and wasn’t being recruited. Luckily Darren Gammell, owner of Darren Junior Recruiting Source, had seen me at a 7 on 7 this summer and told me what he thought I could be and was explaining a lot of things to me about the process. He said he could probably get me some offers in 3-4 months, but a week in a half later he had FaceTimed me with coach Proto from Buffalo on the phone and that’s when my first offer happened. After that the rest has been history.
NM- Now let’s talk about what made you want to play football and or basketball!?
TG- I didn’t start playing until late like 6th grade. I only started playing because my friends were playing, I thought it would be fun and just something to do.
NM- Who are some of your biggest aspirations?
TG- LeBron James and Rob Gronkowski
NM- What’s one thing that people don’t know about you but they should know as a player?
TG- I never forget, if I fail in something I’m going to continue to work on it until it becomes one of my strengths!
NM- My last question for, do you have any more visits set for the near future?
TG- Michigan State on the 13th, I may have something on the 20th and I will be visiting the University of Michigan on the 27th.
