Garry Gilliam considers himself an epistemologist. It says as much on his Twitter account.
“Just a knowledge seeker. I question a lot of things. It could be anything. I’ve always been that way,” Gilliam explained from in front of his locker. “I enjoy learning.”
That includes going beyond the obvious during the offensive line meetings. The 49ers zone blocking scheme is similar to the one Gilliam played in over the last three seasons while with Seattle. But he credits head coach Kyle Shanahan for giving him a stronger understanding of the how’s and why’s in San Francisco’s system.
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“A lot of times I like the deeper meaning,” Gilliam said. “The way that Kyle teaches a lot of our offense, he does that perfectly. I’ve learned a lot about football and a lot about this scheme.”
Gilliam made 33 starts for the Seahawks over the last two seasons at both tackle positions, including four starts in the playoffs. He’s expected to make his first start of the season Sunday against the Eagles as right tackle Trent Brown is still going through the concussion protocol.
“I’ve approached this game as I have every other game since I’ve been here, as if I was the starter, Gillian said. “My preparation, the way I’m getting ready for the game, the way I’ve studied, the way I’ve practiced has all been the same.”
Gilliam played tight end at Penn State before joining the big men up front his senior year. As an undrafted free agent with Seattle, he picked up valuable playing time his rookie season due to a rash of injuries. He secured starting positions in his second and third years. But Shanahan still considers Gilliam a relative newcomer to the tackle position. This weekend in Philadelphia, he may gain a stronger understanding of the 6’5”, 306-pound lineman.
San Francisco 49ers
“We brought him in to be a swing tackle for us and to compete with the guys not knowing exactly what we had until we got to OTAs,” Shanahan said. “He’s going to get his opportunity most likely on Sunday.”