JD Gillum is one of my favorite 2029 prospects, regardless of position. He stepped in as a first-time starter for Anderson County, and would shine while healthy. The sophomore passer rode that big momentum into the summer, where he’s taken the next step.

He’s a big, physical quarterback for his age. Gillum stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 195 pounds with a well-built frame. The 2029 prospect has one of the strongest arms in his class, with the accuracy and touch to go with it.

Gillum can make every throw on the field, excels on deep passes, is not afraid to throw over the middle, has strong mechanics and has top-tier football IQ.

If the Mavericks are to compete for a region title while chasing down the 4A state championship, Gillum will need to have a big year. I expect that to happen as Gillum is one of the more cerebral passers we have in the state that will have a solid receiving corps to work with this Fall. He should have a solid O-line up front providing him the time to spin it as well. Watching how this East Tennessee quarterback has progressed over the past few years tells me Gillum could be in-store for a monster sophomore season that sees him put up some silly numbers while guiding his Mavs team to a lot of victories. As long as Gillum stays healthy, I fully expect him to be named a semifinalist by the end of the regular season. 

In the first place spot on my list is J.D. Gillum J.D. Gillum 6'0" | 195 lbs | QB Anderson County | 2029 State TN , a quarterback at Anderson County High School. Gillum is definitely one of the top signal callers in the Volunteer State to know regardless of class. This talented gunslinger was a crucial weapon for the Mavericks last year, and is due for another breakout season this upcoming fall. What makes Gillum so efficient under center is his ability to read his receivers deep in the backfield, and consistently launch the impressive touchdown pass.

J.D. Gillum J.D. Gillum 6'0" | 195 lbs | QB Anderson County | 2029 State TN missed a chunk of the season with injury, but is back for the postseason and is another exciting young quarterback to watch in the state of Tennessee.

He is the son of the head coach and is able to use that experience around football to effectively distribute the ball to talented playmakers.

He has the ability to hit throws while rolling out, an impressive sign for his age. As he gets bigger and simply plays more on the field, more college interest will come in to what he already has.

Anderson County quarterback J.D. Gillum J.D. Gillum 6'0" | 195 lbs | QB Anderson County | 2029 State TN had hype entering the season and was in a favorable situation where he would not have to do too much as a freshman with the weapons at his disposal. However, he would still have to open his high school career against two of the top programs in the Knoxville area, in which he did not look out of place. As a distributor, he has shown he can work different arm angles to get the ball out and fit the throw into a tight window. He did miss the last quarter and a half last week, but he will be an exciting young signal caller to watch this season.