Official GMSAA 8th Grade FBU NC Preview

<strong>Get Familiar: </strong>Begrudgingly thought of as “little brother” to GFL, the GMSAA program is one that has certainly paid its dues in this FBU National Championship tournament. They've taken some licks but have also handed them out as well. This group of eighth grade athletes, the class of 2026, understands what's in front of of them and they're ready for the challenge. Knowing full well they will be taking on a very good GFL squad in the first round, it's a shame one of the teams will go home after this weekend. GMSAA is a loaded squad that has the potential to beat and play with nearly every team in the tournament. We'll see how it all plays out after kick off.<strong> </strong> <strong>How they'll light it up: </strong>GMSAA has no shortage of firepower on offense. Look for them to run multiple sets including, but not limited to, spread, power and they may even sprinkle in some wishbone to make things interesting. I totally agree with the coaches that they have the horses, specifically at running back, to make things happen. Coaches stressed the need to establish an identity and get points on the board early. If they can use their powerful run game and be smart about time of possession, there's absolutely no reason they can't pull off the upset. <strong>How they'll shut it down: </strong>The coaches of this GMSAA squad aren't stupid. They know who QB1 ([player_tooltip player_id="206164" first="Julian" last="Lewis"]) is for GFL. While Lewis is closing in on half a dozen scholarship offers before entering high school, GMSAA wants to see their defensive line to get pressure on him from the opening snap. Coaches feel that if the defensive line can step up and cause havoc in GFL's attempted passing game, they can win this thing. The coaching staff said, the last thing they want to do is allow Lewis to get comfortable in the pocket. <strong><u>Mt. Rushmore</u></strong> <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-213643 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/SagerQuinn2026-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="212307" first="Sager" last="Quinn"] | Defensive Line</strong><strong> </strong> The disruption that coaches hope the defensive line causes starts up from with Quinn. At 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds he is a disruptive force on the line and can play any spot needed along the front. Coaches noted that Quinn goes into a “bad, scary place” when he's getting ready for each play.  The future Walton Raider is as physical and quick on the line as they come in the country. Truly one of the top interior defensive linemen in the nation for the class of 2026, he will be a big reason for GMSAA's pending success. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-244092 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/JJCampbell-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />JJ Campbell | Running Back</strong> A 5-foot-9 and 180-pound boulder rumbling downhill is an accurate way to begin describing Campbell's running style. The McEachern Indian bulldozer is rocked up from head to toe and is an absolute chore for opposing defenses to bring down. He's a north and south type of runner who runs with little to no wasted movements when carrying the pill. Look for him to pick up a lot of tough yards between the tackles for GMSAA. However, if he does get into open field, he also has the afterburners to make some noise in space. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-244095 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/PeytonZachary-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Peyton Zachary | Running Back</strong> The ideal complement to Campbell at running back, Zachary is a very quick running back in space. Not the biggest dude in the world, but he's get speed for days and next-level quickness. Also a point guard on the basketball court, he sees things different on the field and is a big time play maker. Scariest thing about this running back tandem is that they played together this year for McEachern's championship eighth grade football team. [caption id="attachment_216007" align="alignleft" width="150"]<img class="wp-image-216007 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/CJGamble2026-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /> Photo:[/caption] <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="681160" first="CJ" last="Gamble"] | Linebacker</strong> At 6-foot and 184 pounds, Gamble is a welcomed addition to this year's GMSAA team. A year ago he was suited up for GFL; however, this year the Carrollton Trojans joined the GMSAA and he should make an almost immediate impact for the team. He's an athletic and versatile backer who covers a lot of ground, almost like a safety. He reads and reacts as good or better than any other 2026 linebacker in the country. He's going to be part of a very talented group headed off to Carrollton next year. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Offensive Ballers to know</strong></span> <ul style="list-style-type: square;"> <li><strong>Connor Stevens | Wide Receiver</strong></li> <li><strong>Joshua Vaughn | Offensive Line</strong></li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="212291" first="Balint" last="Vorosmarty"] | Kicker</strong></li> </ul> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Defensive Ballers to know</strong></span> <ul style="list-style-type: square;"> <li><strong>Zykie Helton | Defensive Line</strong></li> <li><strong>Ashton Gochett | Athlete</strong></li> <li><strong>Zavion Harris | Athlete</strong></li> </ul>