Gilmore in UT camp, keeping open mind

Stephon Gilmore has long said Tennessee leads for his services. This week, the defensive back from South Pointe High in Rock Hill, S.C., is letting his traveling do his talking.

UT coaches and fans surely would have understood had Gilmore decided against attending this weekend's junior camp in Knoxville. After all, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound cornerback has a seven-on-seven passing tournament in the NFL's Panther Stadium on Saturday.

No matter. Gilmore and family will make the 6-hour roundtrip drive to make sure everybody knows just how interested Gilmore is in UT.

"That's how serious we are about it," Gilmore's father, Steve Gilmore, said. "He likes the Vols."

Stephon Gilmore's close friendship with former UT defensive back Jonathan Hefney led to the natural connection to Knoxville. Once UT extended a scholarship offer, Gilmore was even more enchanted.

Still, his mind isn't made up. Gilmore visited Alabama's football camp this month and will travel to Ohio State for the Buckeyes' camp in late June. One of the top defensive back prospects in the Southeast, Gilmore is also considering Florida State, South Carolina and Clemson.

Gilmore doesn't plan on making a decision until his high school's state championship game.

His college destination isn't the only decision to make. Gilmore is also deciding between two high school all-star invites: to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio and the Under Armour All-American High School Football Game in Orlando, Fla.

Training is taking up most of Gilmore's summer vacation. Steve Gilmore said his son has bench pressed 300 pounds and has been timed in the low 4.4's in the 40-yard dash.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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