Bethel Park lineman picks WVU
James Gmiter developed a ferocious appetite for football so much that as a youth he starved himself to play. Alas, however, to no avail. He kept growing. And today, the Bethel Park junior has blossomed into a 6-foot, 3-inch, 310-pound recruit for West Virgnia University.
Recalling when he first started to play with the community youth league program for his neighbor, Coach Jake Lewis, and with his childhood friends in third grade, Gmiter said, “I played to just experience it like all the other different sports (basketball and baseball) but I liked football best. Since I was always big, it got to the point where I couldn’t play. Because of the weight restrictions, the only thing I could do was (to) starve myself. That made me mad.”
Gmiter lost three years of football eligibility. He did not play the game from fourth through seventh grade, only picking up his position as a lineman when he enrolled at Independence Middle School, where he excelled to reach his potential.
“Especially now,” Gmiter said. “It gives me motivation. Yes, it really does because I realize how many years I missed out playing the sport that I love. I love the team aspect of the sport and working together. The people you play with become friends and family for life.”
After a few visits to Morgantown, that family expanded to include WVU as Gmiter has become a Mountaineer.
“He’d gotten a good feel for the campus and the culture,” said his high school coach, Jeff Metheny. “As a Mountaineer, myself, I’m real excited for him. He’s a real good player for sure and it is good to get the process behind him. Recruiting can be real brutal for the kids, so for it to come to an end puts his mind at ease.”
Making an early, verbal commitment to WVU, indeed, has enabled Gmiter to get back to the business of playing football for the Hawks and finishing his high school education. As a junior, he currently maintains a 3.5 GPA, belongs to DECA and the Principal’s Advisory Committee. He will resume his basketball career his senior year after a one-year hiatus.
“I knew all along I was going to WVU, but it just seemed like the right time,” said Gmiter of his commitment, which came on the heels of his participation in the U.S. Army All-American combine for underclassmen in San Antonio. “It is a big relief,” he added because prior to his decision everyone was always asking him where he was going and there was pressure to make a choice. Gmiter also had a scholarship offer from Wisconsin and interest from Temple and Cincinnati.
“My advice to others,” Gmiter continued of athletes in his position, “is to enjoy the process but do what is right for you, not your coaches, not your family. It has to feel right in your heart.”
WVU felt right for Gmiter for many reasons. Though a two-way, two-year starter that garnered all-league honors, he is tabbed as a defensive tackle for the Mountaineers.
“Because of where I am as a player, I felt I fit better on their defensive front and how they run their program. Plus, I got along with the coaching staff,” added Gmiter, who was recruited for Dana Holgorsen’s squad by Matt Caponi and Tony Gibson. “I prefer defense because it allows me to play more downhill and you don’t have to think as much like you do on offense.”
Because he has thought about a career beyond football, Gmiter also selected WVU so he could major in criminal justice. Eventually, he plans to become a DEA agent or a SWAT team member.
“My goals at WVU are to get my master’s degree and win a national championship. I’m not thinking about my (NFL) future. If it happens, it happens but I’m not expecting it. Really, I just want to get a degree. My dad and my mom taught me that education comes first,” said the 17-year-old son of Jim and Kim Gmiter. “Sports may get you where you want to go. The NFL is not on my mind.”
Indeed, not. Gmiter is focused upon getting through high school then seeing how college plays out. Currently, he is conditioning and working out in the weight room to prepare for the 2017 scholastic season.
“The workouts are intense,” Gmiter said. “Coach Metheny, (Gabe) August and (Mike) Milligan put the players above and beyond what is expected for a season.
“My goals at Bethel for my senior year are to win and stay healthy and get another conference championship. One we don’t have to share,” he said referring to last season’s deadlock with Mt. Lebanon. Although the Blue Devils defeated the Hawks, the teams both compiled 5-1 records in the Southeastern Conference. “Plus, I’d like to make it to Heinz Field. There is a lot of work to do though.”
Gmiter learned that at the recent combine he attended in Texas. While he covers 40 yards in 5.5 seconds, he clocked in at 2.0 for 10 yards and 3.4 for 20 yards. These “yard splits” are more important for lineman, says Gmiter. He agreed there is room for improvement regarding speed, explosion and the proper use of hands while blocking and tackling.
Of the All-American combine, he said that it was a great experience.
“I got to go against the best players in the county and it allowed me to see how I stacked up. There wasn’t that much difference. If I can do it here and improve, then I can make it at the next level.”
Coach Metheny is confident Gmiter will make it at WVU. He has many attributes.
“James is so big, so strong and athletic,” Metheny said. “He can move real well. He works hard, has a good attitude and is a humble kid. In time, I am sure he’ll contribute. James will be a real plus. If he improves, he will be a valuable asset. Plus, he’ll get a good education.”