Gilmore has made a huge impact on the team. A three-time TAPPS State Champion, Gilmore has all the qualifications to help power the Cyclones to great seasons in the near future. Playing an integral role on the Panthers' team, Gilmore has made many memories and will do the same as he furthers his education and football career. Check out the VYPE DFW interview with him now!
The decision to leave home isn't always an easy one. What impacted your decision to choose Iowa State when considering your college career?
"A lot of my family lives in Iowa and I've always wanted to play in the midwest."
You've made quite the impact with Parish Episcopal, what has been your favorite memory on the Panthers' squad?
"My favorite memory is definitely having a culture of winning; having that with your teammates is a great feeling, but it also brings a lot of responsibility."
When did you first start playing football? Who got you interested in the sport?
"I first started playing tackle football in third grade, but I've been playing football for as long as I can remember."
Which professional athlete do you look up to most and why?
"I look up to Greg Little. He's just my guy. He grew up like an older cousin or sibling to me and he's a great guy and a great player."
As you get ready to leave your high school career behind, what do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment?
"Winning state championships every year."
As you get ready to prepare for the NCAA, what are your main goals?
"I'm not looking to start my freshman year of college. I'm really just trying to build my numbers up in the weight room an build my character in every possible way so that later on I can be a great player and be able to handle adversity in the strongest possible ways for my team."
Do you have a game day routine that you stick to?
"Usually during game days, I watch film all day, stretch, and I try not to focus too much on the game until we start warming up because I don't want to work myself up too much."
What do you do in the offseason to keep your skills sharp?
"I powerlift and train as much as I can. I never forget to do anything I can to recover and stay healthy."
What has been your mindset going into each season?
"My mindset is that somebody is always watching me every season. I build goals so I know where my head needs to be and so that I don't let anyone down- especially myself- and of course I try my best to help my teammates."
In your opinion, what has been the secret to your success?
"My secret is trying my best to stay mentally strong and being as confident as possible. Also training with one of the best trainers in the world- Donald Hawkins."
In your opinion, what has been the secret to your team's success?
"My team definitely has a standard and we just keep each other accountable on and off the field. We all know that we have each others' backs."
Gilmore has a great mindset as he continues to workout and prepare to be the best that he can be for his future home. Be sure you keep your eyes on him in the midwest as he sets his own path with the Cyclones' program.
