Eric Latimore Class: Sophomore Hometown: Middletown, Del. High School: Middletown Height / Weight: 6-6 / 270 Position: DE Experience: JR H.S. Coach: Mark Delpercio

With defensive ends Josh Gaines, Maurice Evans and Aaron Maybin having departed from the 2008 squad, opportunities should abound for Eric Latimore this fall. An athlete with excellent physical attributes, he enrolled at Penn State as a full-time student in January 2007 and took a redshirt year last fall. His hard work in the weight room and on the practice field has moved Latimore into contention for a starting assignment at one of the defensive end spots. A talented and mobile athlete with imposing stature, Latimore was slowed by a stinger during spring practice. A first-team all-state selection at Middletown HS, Latimore has good speed and instincts and a bright future. He is one of four returning Nittany Lions from Delaware.

2008 Sophomore Season
Latimore battled for the top reserve spot behind senior Josh Gaines and saw action in nine games for the Big Ten Champions. He recorded seven tackles -- six of which were solo stops -- and had one sack. He made two solo stops in the season-opener against Coastal Carolina, including a sack for minus-three yards. He also made two tackles each against Syracuse and Temple. He saw action on 96 snaps, topped by 18 in each of the first three games of the campaign.

2007 Freshman Season
Redshirt season.

High School
Latimore was a three-year starter for Coach Mark Delpercio at Middletown HS. A team captain, he was selected first-team all-state and first-team all-conference. He also was a first-team All-Northeast selection by Scout.com. He was sidelined by a shoulder injury during a portion of his senior season, but recorded 24 tackles, 7.5 sacks and forced two fumbles. As a junior, he made 50 tackles and had 12 sacks, helping his team finish as state runners-up. He played in the 2006 Blue-Gold game. Latimore also was a member of back-to-back state championship basketball teams, with the 2004-05 squad compiling a 26-1 record.

Personal
Full name is Eric Latimore II. He is the son of Eric and Kim Latimore and has two sisters. Latimore is related to Philadelphia basketball legend Sonny Hill. He enjoys walking on the beach. Latimore is enrolled in the crime, law and justice program. Born February 16, 1987.