Gilmer has had many great quarterbacks since the turn of the century, and none of them were quite like the other. From the bruiser Luke Turner to the air raid days of Poppy Brown, the Gilmer Buckeyes have had guys who can play.

10. Zac Spears

Years: 2015

College: SFA

Highlights: https://youtu.be/jFDf6eiSSsA

Spears had only one year to start and almost pulled off a back to back effort in 2015. He threw for 220/392 for 2,982 yards for 32 touchdowns in his one season, leading Gilmer all the way back to state coming up short to Celina 44-49. Spears added another 137 yards and 1 touchdown on the ground that year as well.

9. Luke Turner

Years: 2010-11

College: Rice

ttps://youtu.be/AP8ayH6Nx10

Luke was a baller for the Buckeyes in 2010, throwing for 216/342 for 2,586 yards, 28 touchdowns and ran for 1,073 and 27 touchdowns. The Buckeyes went 9-4 that season. In 2011, Turner's year was cut short due to a leg injury, but he still managed to throw for 1,386 yards and run for 823 yards in a shortened year. He went on to Rice where he transitioned to running back.

8. McLane Carter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8ppWGRQvL8

Year: 2014

College: TJC/Texas Tech/Rutgers

This lefty made the most out of his one year he got. The 6'3 195 lbs. Carter led the Gilmer Buckeyes to a State Championship, and was also apart of the best game in East Texas in probably the entire decade against Gladewater. Carter was a great passer, completing 74 percent of his passes for 3,969 yards for 47 touchdowns (both 2nd in school history for a season) to two interceptions in 2014.

7. Tanner Barr

Years: 2011-13

College: N/A

Highlights: https://youtu.be/Ft_d5lpL400

Barr had a career for the ages at Gilmer. In 2011 as a sophomore, Barr collected 11 interceptions en route to being named first team all-state and All-East Texas. As a junior, Barr took over at Quarterback after beating out a younger McLane Carter and produced. He threw 244/404 for 2,946 for 25 touchdowns to 14 picks. He ran for another 903 yards and 5 touchdowns as he led Gilmer to the State Championship game, losing to Navasota. As a senior, Barr fell just short of taking the team back to state, losing in the 3rd round. He put up crazy numbers though: 219/308 for 3,334 yards for 40 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. He ran for another 538 yards and 3 touchdowns, en route to being named 2nd Team All East Texas.

6. Poppy Brown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMY1GXGaptM

Year: 2015-17

College: ETBU

Poppy Brown saw some playtime as a sophomore and made the most out of his opportunities. He got the reigns to the offense as a starter in 2016. Brown had a big impact year throwing for 5,013 yards on 65% passing for 48 passing touchdowns. As a senior Brown lit up East Texas again with 3,523 yards on 63% for 27 touchdowns. Poppy added another 891 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. He finished his career with the 2nd most passing yards in school history behind Stump Godfrey with 8,537 passing yards and 75 touchdowns through the air.

5. Derek McKinzie

Years: 2002-03

College: TVCC

McKenzie was an absolute baller for the Buckeye's and has been called the "founding Father" of the Gilmer Pride. As a junior, McKenzie threw for 1,745 yards as the Buckeyes were bounced in the first round. In 2003 however, McKenzie got things rolling for the Buckeyes. He led the team to a 13-1 record while going off through the air and on the ground. He threw for 179/269 for 2,751 yards and ran for another 1,570 yards and 27 touchdowns.

4. BRANDON TENNISON

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hIa9CbXAqI

Year: 2019-21

College: UTSA

Brandon Tennison started his career as a receiver his sophomore year, but kicked over to the QB position his junior year. His production was crazy his junior year. He went for 3,866 yards and 40 tds to 18 picks, and ran for 985 yards and 10 tds. In 2021, Tennison he went stupid! He led Gilmer back to state 3,877 and 36 touchdowns on 67% completion rating. He also ran for 468 yards and 2 tds.

3. GJ Kinne

https://youtu.be/nmm3rq7tmwo

Year: 2006

College: Texas/Tulane

This is an incredibly high position for a player that only suited up for the orange and black for just 11 games, but what GJ Kinne did in 2006 was unreal. The Prep All-American threw for 3,216 yards for 47 touchdowns to just one interception. He added another 400 yards on the ground, and rushed for 11 touchdowns. He'll be remembered for the major upset against L.E., but Kinne's numbers and skill level is as high as any quarterback to play for Gilmer.