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Gilmore goes with the Gamecocks
South Pointe star will be a DB after picking USC over Alabama
Irmo's Coti Phillips tries to wrap up South Pointe's Stephon Gilmore during the Yellow Jackets' win Thursday.
MELISSA CHERRY /THE (ROCK HILL) HERALD
CommentsROCK HILL — You almost could hear a pin drop in South Pointe High’s auditorium before Stallions standout Stephon Gilmore announced where he intends to play college football.
Gilmore reached under the podium as he announced his decision and pulled out a South Carolina baseball cap, prompting cheers.
“I felt at home at South Carolina,” Gilmore said. “My family and people I know can come watch me play. Deep down in my heart, I knew it had to be South Carolina.”
Gilmore ended an intensive recruiting process that many Division I schools vying for his services. The other finalist was Alabama. Florida State, Clemson and Tennessee were in his final five.
Gilmore also considered LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Florida, Penn State and Southern California.
“I’ve coached four players who made it to the NFL, and Stephon compares well to all of them,” South Pointe coach Bobby Carroll said.
Gilmore, who is 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, plays quarterback for the Stallions, but he was recruited by most schools as a defensive back because of his size, speed and athletic ability. He was recruited by USC defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, who told Gilmore he likely would play cornerback.
Gilmore has passed for 5,600 yards and 54 touchdowns in his career. In his limited time on defense this season, he has 11 tackles, a recovered fumble, three pass breakups and a tackle for a loss.
“Coach Johnson is probably the biggest reason I’m going to South Carolina,” Gilmore said. “He is in his first year there and started recruiting me late, but we have developed a good relationship.”
The Gamecocks start five defensive backs. The only senior starter is cornerback Stoney Woodson, who is backed up by senior Carlos Thomas. Three are juniors who have the option of entering the NFL draft.
As a result, Gilmore expects to get the opportunity to contribute early. He is on schedule to graduate at the end of the first semester in January, and he plans to enroll early at USC so he can participate in spring practice.
“My goal is to go in and compete for a starting position,” Gilmore said. “I want to make an impact as a freshman. I want to get started early on my classes.
“And I want to help bring other players to South Carolina. Me and (teammate) DeVonte (Holloman) have been good friends since we were 12. I’d love to get him to South Carolina.”
Gilmore is the second Stallions player who has committed to USC. Wide receiver Charles Holmes gave an oral agreement in July.
Holloman backed out of his commitment to Clemson on Monday after Tigers coach Tommy Bowden resigned.
Holloman will visit South Carolina this weekend and is planning to visit LSU next weekend. He also wants to visit Tennessee and North Carolina.
Byars is a reporter for The (Rock Hill) Herald, a McClatchy newspaper.
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