Lions to have two Gilmores

By JOHN GIBLIN
Collegian Staff Writer

Following in the tradition of his older brother John, Wilson High School product Pete Gilmore has verbally committed to play football at Penn State.

A 5-foot-11, 210-pound senior from West Lawn, Gilmore is the 13th verbal commitment Penn State has received for the recruiting class of 2000, already considered one of the best in the nation.

"They recruited me to play either fullback or linebacker," Gilmore said. "We'll just have to see what happens."

When Gilmore made his announcement yesterday, not many who have followed his career were surprised. Gilmore has had a solid career in only a little more than two seasons at Wilson.

As a freshman, Gilmore was called up to play for the varsity squad. He started at defensive back the next season, and moved to running back as a junior. As a fullback, Gilmore amassed more than 1000 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging over seven yards per carry.

"He's a solid runner and blocker, and should fit in well," said Mike Bakas of the Eastern Football Journal.

Despite having a family presence in the Penn State locker room, Gilmore didn't immediately jump at the offer to play at Penn State. The senior said he wanted to see what other schools had to offer before making a final decision.

The Nittany Lions offered Gilmore a scholarship in the spring, one of several offers he has received from Div. I schools. In addition to Penn State, Gilmore said Maryland, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse, and Notre Dame were all in the mix.

"I committed to Penn State last week, but looked at others" Gilmore said. "It's a great school and a great program that offers everything that I'm looking for. Plus, it's close to home."

Gilmore, considered one of the top recruits in Pennsylvania, said that playing with his older brother, Penn State tight end John Gilmore, was another factor in his decision to commit to the Lions. The elder Gilmore, a 6-foot-4, 256-pound sophomore, is expected to contend for playing time this season at tight end along with Tony Stewart and Garrett Watkins.

Wilson football coach Jim Cantafio was unavailable for comment last night on Gilmore's announcement.

In addition to Gilmore, another area prospect is expected to verbally commit to Penn State tomorrow, according to the Reading Eagle.

Exeter running back/defensive back Jimmy Mitchell is expected to be Penn State's 14th verbal commitment this season.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Mitchell was considered a virtual unknown until Penn State's summer football camp, where he ran a 4.40, 40-yard dash.

Exeter coach Ron Zeiber and Mitchell met with Penn State football coach Joe Paterno immediately after Penn State's summer football camp last week, where Paterno offered Mitchell a full scholarship. According to the Reading Eagle, Mitchell told Paterno he will verbally commit once he receives the offer in writing. Penn State is projecting Mitchell as a weak-side outside linebacker. Zeiber says that Mitchell is the first Div. I football recruit in Exeter school history.

By committing to Penn State, Gilmore and Mitchell are the first pair of athletes to accept full scholarships to Penn State in the same season in Berks County history.