’27 RB/Corner is a three phase guy flourishing in all three phases
How do you define “Mr. Football.” At the magazine, we have always defined it as an indispensable player with the athletic skill set to flourish in all three phases of a football game (offense/defense/special teams). Mr. Football should be the main reason a team meets with success or even (dare we say) wins a title. There have been a few “one or two phase guys” who still meet that definition. However, it is hard to argue with a guy who perfectly fits the bill. Woolum is a “three-phase guy.” Woolum fits our definition. Last year, as a junior, Woolum helped lead Belfry to a 12-2 worksheet and a narrow, on the road, loss (5-points, 34-29) to the classification’s title winner (Lexington Christian Academy “LCA”). Woolum registered 82-rushes, 1,066-yards (13-yards a carry), 20-TDs, with 24-receptions, 520-yards, and 6-TDs receiving on offense while scoring 164-points (20-TDs rushing, 6-receiving, a KO return, and a two (2) pointer). On defense, Woolum registered 50-tackles, 1-TFL, and four (4) INTs for 70-IRNYs. On special teams, he returned punts and kicks, housing a KR. Another year like that and we have another “Mr. Football” plaque to place on the field house wall next to Isaac Dixon’s.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Belfry, KY: Here’s a news flash for you. There isn’t a program in the commonwealth of Kentucky which has any more of a tradition-rich, championship pedigree, and history of success than the Belfry Pirates.
Okay, perhaps Fort Thomas Highlands and Trinity would dispute this; but for those two, Belfry is right up there toward the top of the winner’s pile . Phillip Haywood won 491-games largely as a Belfry Pirate with eight (8) titles.
Captaining this ship has fallen to Matt Varney. Varney has yet to win a state title but he has won 12 of his first 14 games and darn near got to play for the 2A title last season.
The Pirates in its first year back in 2A, and under a first year coach, finished 12-2. The Pirates suffered a five (5) point, road loss (34-29) to title winner, Lexington Christian Academy (LCA), in Lexington.
That effort was not too shabby. Matter of fact, it was not shabby, at all.
Having a stud player contributing to all three phases is a good place from which to build championships. JB Woolum is an example of this principle.
Those three phase guys sure come in handy during a championship run
Friday Night Fletch
Woolum registered 82-rushes, 1,066-yards (13-yards a carry), and 20-TDs rushing from the line of scrimmage. Woolum caught 24-receptions for 520-yards and 6-TDs receiving through the air. Woolum scored 164-points (20-TDs rushing, 6-receiving, a KO return, and a two (2) pointer) for the team which included housing a kick on special teams.
On defense, Woolum registered 50-tackles, 1-TFL, and four (4) INTs for 70-IRNYs. Woolum was a lockdown corner on defense and could play there in college.
If you look at the kid’s measurements, it is easy to see why he would flourish. Woolum is 6’0,” 190-pounds.
Woolum bench presses 265-pounds, squats 330, power cleans 220-pounds and reps the high school, bench press rep weight (185-pounds) 14-times. Not a ton of high school RB/Corners, with those type numbers, hanging around Kentucky 2A locker-rooms.
Woolum is fast and explosive too. We tend to call that being “twitchy.”
Woolum clicks off 40-yard dashes in 4.56-seconds. Woolum verticals 34-inches. That vertical and that 40-yard dash time are consistent. That means one corroborate the other.
You’ll notice JB wears “No. 11″ His brother, Cade, wore the same number at Belfry. Cade Woolum (6’3,” 195) was a two-time, All-State football player for Belfry. Cade graduated a couple years ago (’24).
There seem to be a lot of athletes around the Woolum household. That is particularly true of football players.
Caden Woolum signed with UPike. JB will sign with a next level football program too. Who knows, he may stay home and reunite with his brother at UPike. We believe Woolum will have that option, should he choose to exercise it.
Until then, Woolum has a senior year to which to attend. Woolum also has a roster coming back loaded and eager to make another run to Lexington, this time ending on Kroger Field and not at LCA.
Teams have to have some Woolum-types to compete. We also need some Woolum-types for our Mr. Football races too.
Good thing Kentucky has this cat. See you in the Fall!
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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