True freshman turning around Jackson State's rush offense

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State may have found an answer for one of its biggest weaknesses.

The Tigers didn’t receive much production from their running backs over the first three games, but true freshman Jordan Johnson has broken out the previous two weeks. He scored Jackson State’s first rushing touchdown of the season on Sept. 24 and had 18 carries for 114 yards in Saturday’s 16-14 home win against Mississippi Valley State.

“He’s playing with a great deal of confidence,” coach Tony Hughes said. “(His 6.3 yards per carry against MVSU is) an outstanding effort. He runs hard, he finds a hole, and he shows a lot of maturity. I’m glad he’s here, and I’m glad he’s on our football team.”

Johnson rushed for 1,905 yards and 25 touchdowns during his senior season at Terry and signed with Jackson State despite receiving late interest from Alabama-Birmingham. He finished with at least 100 rushing yards in nine of his 12 games last year.

The production impressed Hughes throughout his recruitment of Johnson.



CONTINUE READING