Freshman Gibby Tomberlin Visits Tennessee Football, Gains Attention

Maryville High School freshman Gibby Tomberlin is attracting early attention in the world of college football recruiting. The young athlete, who plays both running back and defensive back, is set to visit the University of Tennessee this weekend. Tomberlin’s growing reputation comes just as he announced his first scholarship offer, marking a significant milestone for the 2029 prospect.
In a recent statement, Tomberlin expressed his surprise at the early recognition he has received. “I would say it’s just crazy,” he said. “I wasn’t really expecting it, but I’m grateful for the opportunity. Obviously, I’ve got three years of high school football and training to get better.” Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 175 pounds, he has the physical attributes that many college programs find appealing.
Tomberlin’s visit to Tennessee will be his first opportunity to explore the campus, although he has been inside Neyland Stadium previously. He aims to meet with the coaching staff and learn more about the football program. “Meeting all of the coaches and really learning about the school to see if that would be a place I’m interested in going when I’m older,” he noted about his upcoming trip.
As a multi-sport athlete, Tomberlin not only excels in football but also participates in basketball and track. He describes himself as a hard hitter on defense and emphasizes his vision and decision-making skills as a running back. “I would just say at strong safety, I’m a hard hitter. If I get into open space with anyone, I’m going to lay a lick on them,” he explained. “At running back, just having good vision, knowing where to go.”
His enthusiasm for the Tennessee football program is evident. Tomberlin appreciates the team’s running offense and its history of producing talented players at his positions. “Absolutely, I like that Tennessee has a running offense. They’ve produced some really great running backs over the years,” he shared.
Receiving an offer from Tennessee would be a significant achievement for Tomberlin. “That would be great. It would prove that hard work pays off,” he reflected. His aspiration to play at the collegiate level has been a dream since he was six years old, and he is beginning to see that vision materialize.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Tomberlin has academic ambitions, expressing a desire to study engineering. “I’ve always thought that was cool since I was a kid. It’s just learning how to solve problems,” he said.
As recruiting efforts ramp up, Tomberlin is certainly one to watch in the coming years. With his potential and commitment to improvement, he is poised to make an impact in high school football and beyond. As the recruiting landscape evolves, the interest in Tomberlin will likely continue to grow, making this a pivotal time in his athletic career.