Patience paying off for JSU's Johnson IV

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Robert Johnson IV had been patiently waiting. Through his first five games this season, Johnson’s longest rush was 15 yards, so he had been eager to finally break a big run.

As he crossed the goal line at the end of a 42-yard touchdown run against Arkansas-Pine Bluff two weeks ago, the Jackson State running back's sense of relief was apparent as he waved his arms to the crowd in excitement.

“It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders, I had been waiting on a run like that for a long time,” Johnson said. “I was excited and it was a great moment for me.”

With more emphasis on the run game and the departure of Jarius Moore from Jackson State’s program, Johnson has received more opportunities to make runs similar to those.

Against the Golden Lions, Johnson toted the ball 18 times for 100 yards. This past weekend, he followed that up with 24 rushes for 112 yards against Mississippi Valley State. Jackson State (3-5, 3-3 SWAC) plays host to Alabama State (4-4, 4-3) on Saturday.

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