Eli Gillman just dropped an astonishing 275 single game rushing yards last week in a dominant 62-22 blowout win over UC Davis, and yeah, that’s a program record. This dude has been putting on a show for years, but what he’s doing right now in his final season is straight-up legendary stuff. It’s not just Montana Grizzlies fans who’ve noticed either; the entire FCS knows they’re watching something special.
Gillman’s Numbers Are Absolutely Bonkers
Forget about watching something that *might* stand the test of time, because Gillman’s already there. He’s sitting atop nearly every major Montana rushing mark, tearing through defenses like they’re made of paper. We’re talking 4,361 career rushing yards and 60 rushing touchdowns, both absolutely wild program bests. Think about all the talent that has come through that program; for Gillman to be above all of them? That’s just unreal. And it’s not just local records we’re talking about here. His career numbers have already blown past FCS greats like Brian Westbrook and even Walter Payton. Seriously, Walter Payton. If you’re not paying attention to what this guy is doing, you’re missing out big time.
The Walter Payton Award Is Calling, And So Is Cooper Kupp’s Record
As if being the program GOAT wasn’t enough, Gillman is gunning for Big Sky immortality, too. He absolutely torched Charles Roberts’ conference record of 56 career rushing scores a few weeks back, just adding another notch to his belt. Now, he’s got his eyes set on an even bigger target: Cooper Kupp’s ridiculous 73 career touchdown mark. Gillman is sitting just seven touchdowns shy of that record, with at least seven games still in front of him. You just know he’s gonna shatter that thing. But wait, there’s more! This man has the Walter Payton Award squarely in his crosshairs. A running back hasn’t won that coveted award since Jamal Branch did it way back in 2003, and a non-quarterback hasn’t taken it home since Kupp in 2015. With 813 all-purpose yards already through just five games this season, Gillman’s pace makes that goal feel completely legit.
He’s got at least seven more games to go, and probably more with the playoffs, to keep this insane run going. Watching him chase down those records and make a real push for the Walter Payton Award is gonna be appointment viewing. What’s he gonna do next? We’re all here for it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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