Some people on the Penn State football team might think cloning human beings was achieved long ago. ht experience double vision.

Only an inch apart in height and with similar physiques stands tight ends John Gilmore and Tony Stewart.

They are so similar, in fact, that coaches and teammates call them by each other's names.

"At first it used to annoy me but then I got used to it," Gilmore said.

"If someone says, 'Tony' sometimes we both turn around."

Former tight ends coach Jay Paterno explains the mix up in slightly more scientific terms. Depending on the sun's angle, the last digits of their jersey numbers blur.

Gilmore wears 85, and Stewart sports 89. Paterno said the nine sometimes looks like a five depending on the their position.

But in some cases, Stewart just can't think of a good explanation for the identity crisis.

"James Boyd sometimes looks me right in the face and calls me John," Stewart said. "I don't know what's going on with that."

Aside from their appearance, Stewart and Gilmore came to Happy Valley at the same time. After a stellar career at Allentown Central Catholic, Stewart played as a true freshman.

After an equally successful tenure at Wilson High School, Gilmore redshirted. At first, the coaches were unsure how to best utilize the versatile player. The uncertainty wore on Gilmore, as well as his new position.

"He wasn't too comfortable in the beginning," Stewart said, "and now he looks a lot more confident and a lot more comfortable. It is great competition for me at that position."

And the tight end position has been one of the most productive for the Penn State offense this season.

Stewart leads the team in receptions with 30 and has two touchdowns. Gilmore has four receptions and got his first touchdown catch of the season against Indiana with a Dwight Clark-esque catch coming across the back of the end zone.

Solid blocking skills complete the tandem's potency, as well as good work ethics. That doesn't mean, however, that they are the exact same person.

"They're both pretty laid back," Paterno said.

"John might be more of a dog than Tony. He's a bit more cutthroat. But both are great kids. They never give you problems."

And all the comparisons and similarities don't bother Gilmore or Stewart. Although they are not roommates, they are extremely close friends.

"That's like my brother," Gilmore said. "I'd do anything for Tony. People think that's funny because we play the same position.

"I think it makes it better, actually."