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Thursday, Oct. 09, 2008

South Pointe's Gilmore trims choices to USC, Alabama

It’s down to Alabama and South Carolina for South Pointe quarterback Stephon Gilmore.

Gilmore said last week that he still had five schools on his football recruiting list and that he had no favorite. But Tuesday at South Pointe High School, Gilmore will announce his decision.

The three trimmed from his final list are Clemson, Florida State and Tennessee.

“I kinda have my mind made up, but I’m still thinking about it and won’t be sure until Tuesday,’’ Gilmore said. “It’s going to be Alabama or South Carolina, but I really don’t know just yet which one.’’

Gilmore, 6-1, 190 pounds, is one of the top-rated players in the country. His Stallions are 6-0 and ranked No. 2 in the South Carolina Prep Writers top 10 Class AAAA poll.

He is being sought be nearly ever Division I football school and in trimming his list to five knocked out the likes of Florida, LSU, Ohio State, Michigan and Southern Cal.

Gilmore made an official visit to Alabama over the weekend, where he watched the Crimson Tide beat Kentucky, 17-14.

Monday afternoon at practice, Gilmore was wearing an Alabama T-shirt.

“I bought it when I was down there this weekend,’’ he said. “Wearing it on Monday was in no way a sign that I’ve made up my mind.

“I flew down by myself on Friday and had a good time. It’s fun to watch SEC football. I want to say again that both schools are still in the running.’’ And both are in the Southeastern Conference.

Barry Byers • 329-4099