2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Robert Gillum, TE, University of Northern Colorado

• Name: Robert Gillum
• Position: TE
• College: University of Northern Colorado
• Height: 6′ 4″
• Weight: 255 lbs
• Twitter: @816RobG

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

• I grew up playing basketball honestly. I ended up playing football all because of my old LINC teachers. I never played and he took me to a couple practices. I honestly didn’t fall in love until I scored my first touchdown. You work so hard to finally get that score and the feeling after scoring was one of the greatest feelings ever.

If you could win 1 NFL player award which one and why?

• NFL Man of The Year. I always tell myself if I am ever in a position where I can help my old neighborhood and city, I would do anything in my power to improve it. The Man of The Year award is a perfect representation of that. If I was to ever win that award, it would be a sign I made an huge impact in the community.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

• My favorite is my first collegiate touchdown. It was an 80-yard touchdown and it was also the first catch of my career. Another would be in high school catching the game winner over two people with no time left. I was so happy I couldn’t even talk.

What is your favorite route and why?

• I like glance routes and post. I just get a good feel of what’s underneath and in front of me. I also find it easier to beat the defenders (which is usually a safety for me) on a post.

What should we know about Robert Gillum the person?

• I’m a pretty relaxed person. I’m one of those people who will not speak first but once we become acquainted then I open up a lot. I like to play video games. I love watching sports. I’ve watched almost every super bowl, and college football championship all divisions.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

• Shannon Sharpe. Shannon is just the type of player I would love to be like. He is hilarious and always having fun. I just admire is game and he is a small school hall of famer which I always have the upmost respect for.

What sets you apart from other tight ends?

• I believe it’s my mental aspect of the game. I am very smart and things in football come easy to me. I learn plays fast and have good remember. I knew my entire college playbook and usually would answer all my teammates questions at practice.

What areas of your game are you looking to improve the most?

• I would like improve my route running. I just feel it’s a lot of little things that I haven’t been taught yet that could vastly improve my game.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

• I like to bring a big brother type energy. I like to impose my will early and that usually depicts how the game goes.

What would a team get in a player like you?

• They would get a student of the game. I would be front row picking up every piece of knowledge they threw out. They would get a competitor. I love to compete sometimes it’s a bad thing but I love competition. I love to brighten the mood . They would get a happy guy that is just grateful for the opportunity.

What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

• The keys to success are first knowing what you are doing. You can’t be success if you don’t know what to do during the play. After that is just execution. If you know what to do and how to do it, all you have to do know now is apply it to the field.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

• I never get too low I just stay steady. God’s plan is already written so being sad and letting the little troubles get you flustered you’ll never see the great things God has waiting for you in the end. I use that approach because whether it’s the field or life, you can’t let a missed assignment or a drop pass get you in your head. The next play could be a play you score on but if you lose focus you’ll never make it to that next play.