Penn State football offers 8th-grade QB with HOF lineage
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (BVM) – Donald Tabron II, a towering 6-foot-3 eighth-grade quarterback, has already received a full-ride scholarship offer from Penn State’s head football coach, James Franklin.
“The coaches seem to like my size,” Tabron II said about his D-I college football offers, which also include Kentucky, Maryland and Marshall. “I can flight the ball well (and it) seems to come out effortlessly and they say I have good mechanics, (I’m) cerebral and am very accurate.”
Tabron II’s accurate arm may be something that runs in the family. Tabron II is named after his grandfather, Don Tabron, a Negro League baseball pitcher who was a trailblazer in breaking down color barriers.
In 1934, Don Tabron and the Chatham Coloured All-Stars became the first all-Black team to win a provincial baseball championship in Ontario. The team’s collective fortitude paved the way for them to receive Canada’s highest sporting honor – the Order of Sport Award and induction into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.
“My whole goal is to continue my grandfather’s legacy,” Tabron II said.
My Grandad at 17 in 1933. Negro League Baseball Pitcher and Canadian Sports Hall of Fame Inductee. Me at 14 Future D1 QB in 2023. He is me and I am him!!!! Bloodline strong! 💪🏾 @smsbacademy @ArcStrokeQB @QuarterbackUniv @AlPopsFootball @CoachLocks pic.twitter.com/jExplFWTSZ
— Donald Tabron II (@donaldtabronII) February 6, 2024
Tabron II’s father, Don, attributes his middle school son’s strong arm to their family bloodline.
“My father was a very good pitcher, and my son has a natural accurate arm and throwing motion,” said Tabron II’s father. “That’s why all of these schools are beginning to recruit him. He got his height, athleticism, arm strength and accuracy from his grandfather.”
Tabron II’s 14U coach, BJ Simes, noted, “He can deliver the ball and the biggest thing is his ability to make plays on the fly.” Tabron II made a no-look touchdown and a touchdown pass more recently when he played up at the 18u HS Shock Doctor National Championships.
2028 QB Donald Tabron II holds 2 offers already and was making an impact in the 18u HS Shock Doctor National Championships with the Bredwinners this weekend.
Here's a no-look TD and a TD pass vs. the #2 seed, Florida Stars… They lost by 7 pts in the playoff to the Stars.… pic.twitter.com/Rc5eFuaXrT
— The D Zone (@TheD_Zone) April 22, 2024
Nonetheless, Tabron II’s true talents will begin to shine when he competes for the starting QB spot at Cass Technical High School (Detroit).
“He’s going to win the Mr. Football Award one day,” Coach Simes said. “He’s definitely going to win the starting position as a freshman. I don’t see him sitting on anyone’s bench – even when he gets to college.”
The future looks bright for Tabron II – who could become one of the most sought-after QBs in the Class of 2028.
“It’s great to be recognized for all the hard work,” Tabron II said. “I will graduate the eighth grade on June 13. There’s so much more to accomplish after that. I’ve got to win games now.”
