Meet Julian Tobey

FSLM’s November 2025 Student Profile
By Abigail Gold

photo by shane darby

Highschoolers have a lot on their plates, and it’s no different for senior Julian Tobey, who balances football, schoolwork, and being an Eagle Scout. While his ability to balance all his responsibilities is incredible, it’s not the most impressive thing about him. His most impressive trait is being a leader.

“Julian is a fine young man and one of the best leaders at Pleasant Grove High School,” said Josh Gibson, the head football coach. “He’s extremely positive and rational with everyone.” 

Julian is a leader because he is such a great team player. He’s someone whom his teammates can turn to with ease, a skill he picked up from being in BSA (formerly Boy Scouts of America) for so long. “The adult [BSA] leaders want the boys to be the ones, like, telling the other guys what to do,” Julian explained. The rank of the members plays a big part in how much responsibility they get. As an Eagle Scout, Julian was in a leadership position for a long time. His time in scouts taught him the skills it takes to be a leader.

Being a leader also includes keeping track of every engagement. “Having to balance school and football—it’s kind of a big deal,” Julian said. “Recently we’ve been going [in practice] like three hours after school on Monday and Tuesday, and then we’ll go about an hour before school on Wednesdays.” With the time commitment of football, it would be easy to let schoolwork take a back seat, but Julian does not. “I’ve always prioritized school first because that’s what’s been the important part,” Julian said. He’s worked hard to keep his priorities straight while still giving his all to the team.

His leadership has not gone unrecognized. “He was named ‘Heart and Soul Captain,’” Coach Gibson said. “He shines a bright light and helps others grow and build confidence in themselves.” It’s clear that he’s had a positive impact on the team, but that wouldn’t be possible without his dedication. He’s played since seventh grade and has worked hard to do his best.

“I was in tenth grade on varsity, playing against people who could adopt me,” Julian said. He didn’t let the different challenges he faced stop him from working hard.

Julian at a watermelon supper event with his grandparents, aunt, and girlfriend. submitted photo.

Julian recently received a very special honor: through his hard work and dedication, he was chosen to wear the number 59 on his jersey. The jersey number is worn as a tribute to Kaden Allen, who was a previous Heart and Soul Captain of the Pleasant Grove Football Team. Kaden died in a car accident last summer.

“He was a really great dude—one of the best football players that we’ve ever had come through here,” Julian said. “Coach Gibson wanted to honor his name and keep his legacy alive. He wanted one of the linemen to wear his number every year, and he picked me, which was a pretty big honor.” 

Josh Gibson has no regrets with his choice. “Julian was the perfect selection to keep Kaden’s legacy alive,” he said.

Julian Tobey has pulled off an incredible balancing act with all his responsibilities, and he manages to be a light for others as he does it. He’s made many friends through football, who will certainly all miss him when he opens the next chapter of his life at the end of the school year. Wherever he goes next, he will have the leadership and teamwork skills to succeed.