Good news was a little hard to find on Saturday night as Jackson State limped away after a 27-15 loss to Delta State. But the emergence of Lavarius Giles on special teams could be the sign of good things to come.
Giles scored Jackson State's first touchdown of the season on a 92-yard kickoff return early in the fourth quarter, knifing through Delta State's would-be tacklers without being touched.
It was the first touchdown of his JSU career.
"That was really good to see out of Lavarius," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "He's got the kind of ability to make that happen a few more times this season. He really gave us a boost."
Giles' flat-out speed isn't a surprise to those have followed his track career. The senior won the 100- and 200-meter dashes at the Southwestern Athletic Conference outdoor meet in the spring.
Last season, Jackson State's coaching staff raved about Giles' potential. But they had trouble finding room for him on the football field, shuffling him between running back, wide receiver and return specialist.
He accounted for only 85 total yards last season, but surpassed that total in this season's first game.
And the former Ray Brooks and Mississippi Delta Community College star says there's more where that first touchdown came from.
"You know, I do think it gave me a lot of confidence to actually get out there and make a big play," Giles said. "Now we've just got to get everything right as a team and get some wins."
-David Brandt
Giles scored Jackson State's first touchdown of the season on a 92-yard kickoff return early in the fourth quarter, knifing through Delta State's would-be tacklers without being touched.
It was the first touchdown of his JSU career.
"That was really good to see out of Lavarius," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "He's got the kind of ability to make that happen a few more times this season. He really gave us a boost."
Giles' flat-out speed isn't a surprise to those have followed his track career. The senior won the 100- and 200-meter dashes at the Southwestern Athletic Conference outdoor meet in the spring.
Last season, Jackson State's coaching staff raved about Giles' potential. But they had trouble finding room for him on the football field, shuffling him between running back, wide receiver and return specialist.
He accounted for only 85 total yards last season, but surpassed that total in this season's first game.
And the former Ray Brooks and Mississippi Delta Community College star says there's more where that first touchdown came from.
"You know, I do think it gave me a lot of confidence to actually get out there and make a big play," Giles said. "Now we've just got to get everything right as a team and get some wins."
-David Brandt
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