Improbably, just 73 days after the season-opener, the former walk-on returned to the field for the Vols and has started their last two games at tackle.
“As soon as we figured out that he was hurt, he said, ‘Hey, I’m coming back,” said teammate Kyler Kerbyson, per the Times Free Press. “I looked at him confused and said, ‘Really, are you?’ I didn’t really believe him and walked away like, ‘Man, that guy’s crazy.’ He came back and he’s doing his thing; he’s doing real well out there.”
Gilliam returned to practice for a few weeks before returning to game action in the first half of the Vols’ loss at Ole Miss on Oct. 18. He said his first few snaps were a little shaky, but after that he’s been playing at a high level.
"I was thrown in there and had to get a feel for it again," Gilliam said. "It was, what, five or six weeks since I last played. It was just that break-in period that anybody has. For me, it was like starting all over again, because my first game I only got three quarters of it. I feel really good. I feel confident. I feel like my ability's back."
His teammates certainly appreciate his effort.
“That shows how much heart that kid has,” defensive lineman Danny O’Brien said. “I've got nothing but respect for that kid. Playing through a torn ACL, I know it's got to be killing him out there, but it's his senior year and he's from this city and from this state. He wants to give his all for Tennessee, and if anybody's done that on this team, I think it's him."
As long as his knee holds up, Gilliam will continue to play for the 4-5 Vols in their final three games. Gilliam’s goal is to get back to a bowl game, something the program has not accomplished since his first year in 2010.
"I've only got three games left here," Gilliam said. "I'm trying to fight for that fourth. I feel like all the other seniors feel the same way, and I know my all my young guys back there want to see us get to that fourth game, because they want to start something new here."
The next step toward the six-win plateau and bowl eligibility comes Saturday at home against 5-5 Kentucky. After Kentucky, the Vols host Missouri before ending the season on the road at Vanderbilt.
For more Tennessee news, visit VolQuest.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Tennessee OL Jacob Gilliam continues to play with torn ACL
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