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February 11, 2012

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prep football recruiting:

Gorman defensive lineman commits to Northern Arizona

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010 | 2:19 p.m.

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Tim Wilkinson knew his time would come.

The Bishop Gorman High senior defensive lineman had been part of the Gaels varsity team the last three years, contributing alongside the likes of the city's top players — tight end Xavier Grimble (USC), defensive lineman Alex Turner (Stanford) and linebacker Evan Palelei(Navy) — in helping the Gaels win two of the last three state titles.

But when college recruiters would stop by the Summerlin private school, they would pass on Wilkinson because of his frame. At 5-foot-11, 280-pounds, Wilkinson had long been told his was too short for college football.

He even had his brother, Colorado State defensive back DeAngelo Wilkinson, give Colorado State coaches game film, only to get a similar response — he was too short.

But after finishing his senior season with 67 tackles and 8.5 sacks, helping Gorman go undefeated and win the state title, Wilkinson started to get noticed as a key cog in the Gaels' defense.

Now, he will join the others at the next level.

Wilkinson verbally committed to Northern Arizona on Sunday following a weekend trip, becoming the eighth Gorman player to receive a scholarship. The group will sign their national letters of intent after school Wednesday on national signing day.

"Not being recruited didn't really bother me," Wilkinson said. "I knew something was bound to happen. My mom says I'm a very laid back person, so I just wanted for my turn. I knew I had the talent to not go overlooked."

Wilkinson said Northern Arizona is changing to a 4-3 defense — four defensive linemen and three linebackers — and that he will get looks at nose guard and defensive tackle.

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