Elmore, who is one of the top football players in the Midwest, picked the Golden Gophers over offers from Wisconsin, Nebraska and Iowa State.
Gaelin Elmore, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound tight end from Somerset, Wisconsin committed to Minnesota Sunday. Elmore, who is one of the top football players in the Midwest, picked the Golden Gophers over offers from Wisconsin, Nebraska and Iowa State. Gopher Hole caught up with Elmore at TCF Bank Stadium to discuss his commitment.
Gopher Hole: You committed to Minnesota earlier today. What was the main reason you decided to do that today?
Gaelin Elmore: Last night on the way back from a recruiting trip, I just realized that Minnesota was going to be the place for me. It is close to family, so they can go through this and experience this all with me and be a big part in that. They helped me through the ups and downs. That was the huge deciding factor.
Gopher Hole: It looks like you had a big group of people here with you today. Who all was here?
Gaelin Elmore: Just family. I got my dad here and coach, his wife and his kids who I have grown up with for the last couple of years. Having them here was a big need.
Gopher Hole: Did that make it even more special having them here and knowing that because of the proximity to Somerset that they are going to be able to see you a lot?
Gaelin Elmore: Yes. That was huge.
Gopher Hole: I know that you just made your decision, but does it feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders already?
Gaelin Elmore: It did last night when I came up with the decision that I was doing it. I get to focus on school and high school football and enjoy my last year of high school. That is the best thing for me right now.
Gopher Hole: Where were you yesterday?
Gaelin Elmore: We were on the highway back from Indiana, Ohio State and Michigan State.
Gopher Hole: Now that you have this done, what are the plans for the rest of the summer. You are probably not doing any camps, but what are you going to be working on?
Gaelin Elmore: Just high school basketball, lift and things like that with the high school. The biggest thing when it comes to college football, I am going to try to recruit and get other guys to join the Gopher family.
Gopher Hole: Do you know many of the other guys that they are recruiting?
Gaelin Elmore: Yes. I am definitely going to try to be a big part in that. I am going to start on that tonight.
Gopher Hole: Anyone you knew from before?
Gaelin Elmore: Some guys that I have seen around here a few times. I know some big recruits that they want like some local guys like Frank Ragnow and J.C. Try to get those guys to join the family.