7th-grade TN QB gaining attention for strong arm
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (BVM) – John Gillum, a rising seventh-grade QB, has gone viral on social media after users pointed out his eye-popping physical strength and strong arm on the football field.
Quarterback Plug made a video highlighting Gillum’s ability to throw 60-plus yards, squat 225 pounds three times and run a 4.8-second 40-yard dash. That same video was reposted by MaxPreps and garnered over 1.5 million views. Users praised his balance, strength, coordination and speed.
@theqbplug What are they feeding these kids!?! 🤯
The dual-threat quarterback is currently ranked by QB Hit List as the No. 3 QB in the Class of 2029. The scouting report says that Gillum is, “Always on the go. Difficult to pin him down. Moves well laterally, away from traffic. A legit threat while on the run… his decision-making separates himself from his peers. He’s a quick thinker, works through his options in a hurry.”
Dynamic throws! @MaverickAD1 @ACMav4Life @CodeBlue7on7 @SenatorFootbal1 @EllaMAVS @ACHSMAVBaseball @acmavrecruiting @SESNsports @AllenRussell2 @MaverickLiftAC @overtime @KevinMoses38 pic.twitter.com/oJMt2oZpn5
— John-David Gillum (@JDGillum22) July 5, 2023
Gillum will play out his seventh-grade season for the Norris Middle School Senators football team (near Knoxville) in the fall of 2023. In eight games as a sixth grader, Gillum passed for 1,563 yards and 21 touchdowns, completing 146 out of 183 passing attempts for an 80% completion rate. He also had two rushing touchdowns and 350 yards on the ground.
Some 6th grade highlights from NMS @ACMav4Life @MaverickAD1 pic.twitter.com/07tUYfexJw
— John-David Gillum (@JDGillum22) March 8, 2023
There’s an immense amount of hype surrounding Gillum – even though he’s about 12 years old. Online users have also criticized him for lifting such heavy weights because it could stunt his growth (Gillum is 5-foot-8, 153 pounds). But, that isn’t stopping him in his quest towards becoming the strongest QB in the country.
