John Paddock (American football)

John Paddock
Personal information
Born: (2000-03-27) March 27, 2000 (age 24)[1]
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
High school:Bloomfield Hills High School
College:Ball State (2018–2022)
Illinois (2023)
Position:Quarterback
Undrafted:2024
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only

John Paddock (born March 27, 2000)[1] is an American professional football quarterback who is a free agent. He played college football at Ball State and Illinois.

Early life and high school

Paddock was born in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he attended Bloomfield Hills High School. Coming out of high school, Paddock was rated as a two star quarterback. Paddock committed to play college football at the Ball State University.[2][3]

College career

Ball State

In Paddock's first four seasons with Ball State, he appeared in only four games as a backup quarterback. In those four games, Paddock completed 24 of his 32 passes for 180 yards and an interception.[4][5] In 2022, Paddock earned the starting quarterback job heading into week one.[6] In week three of the 2022 season, Paddock completed 27 of his 44 passing attempts for 227 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception, as he got his first win as a starter shutting out Murray State.[7] Paddock finished the 2022 season completing 286 of his 480 pass attempts for 2,719 yards and 18 touchdowns, with 14 interceptions, going 5-7 as a starter.[8] After the conclusion of the 2022 season, Paddock decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal.[9]

Illinois

Paddock transfer to the University of Illinois as a walk on to play the final season of his college career.[10][11] In week nine of the 2023 season, Paddock entered the game in the fourth quarter down by one score after starter Luke Altmyer went down with an injury. Paddock completed all three of his passes for 85 yards including the game winning touchdown, as he helped Illinois beat Minnesota 27-26.[12] Paddock started the following week, throwing for 507 yards and four touchdowns with one interception and leading the Fighting Illini to a win in overtime over Indiana, 48–45.[13]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
5 ft 11+1⁄4 in
(1.81 m) 		193 lb
(88 kg) 		29+3⁄8 in
(0.75 m) 		9+5⁄8 in
(0.24 m)		 4.95 s 1.68 s 2.88 s 4.50 s 7.46 s 28.0 in
(0.71 m)		 9 ft 4 in
(2.84 m)
All values from Pro Day[14]

Paddock signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2024.[15] He was waived on August 25.[16]

References

  1. ^ a b "John Paddock". ourlads.com. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  2. ^ "JOHN PADDOCK PRO STYLE QUARTERBACK". Rivals.com. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  3. ^ Budner, Marty (August 24, 2017). "Drew Brees connection no-brainer for Ball State recruit". Hometown Life. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  4. ^ Richey, Scott (January 23, 2023). "Report: Illini land second transfer quarterback". The News-Gazette. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  5. ^ "John Paddock". Sports Reference. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  6. ^ General, Robby (August 29, 2022). "4 years into his career, John Paddock finally gets his chance to be Ball State's quarterback". IndyStar. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  7. ^ "Even in 31-0 victory, Ball State football has room for improvement". The Star Press. September 18, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  8. ^ Asmussen, Bob (January 28, 2023). "New quarterback Paddock knows the place, history at Illinois". The News-Gazette. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  9. ^ "John Paddock set to leave Ball State Football". Ball State Daily. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  10. ^ Kimball Decatur, Anderson (February 13, 2023). "John Paddock, Tanner Arkin explain their decisions to transfer, join Illinois football". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  11. ^ Olson, Andy (January 23, 2023). "Report: QB John Paddock transfers to Illinois". WCIA. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  12. ^ Greenbreg, Steve (November 5, 2023). "Three-Dot Dash: After Illinois QB John Paddock's feel-good moment, it's on to Illini vs. … USC?". Chicago Sun Times. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  13. ^ Stein, Steve (November 11, 2023). "John Paddock throws for 507 yards and 4 TDs — including the game-winner in OT to give Illinois a 48-45 victory against Indiana". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  14. ^ "2024 NFL Draft Scout John Paddock College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  15. ^ Waack, Terrin (April 30, 2024). "Falcons agree to terms with 10 undrafted free agents". AtlantaFalcons.com.
  16. ^ Waack, Terrin (August 25, 2024). "Falcons begin 53-man roster cutdown, release 13 players". AtlantaFalcons.com.