2017 Jacksonville State Football Roster: A Deep Dive

Hey guys! Let's take a trip down memory lane and dive into the 2017 Jacksonville State Football Roster. That season was pretty epic, and we're going to break down the players, their positions, and maybe even reminisce about some of the legendary moments. If you're a die-hard Gamecocks fan or just curious about college football, you're in the right place. We'll go over the key players, their impact on the team, and what made the 2017 season so memorable. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

The Quarterbacks: Leading the Charge

Alright, let's kick things off by looking at the quarterbacks. The quarterback position is arguably the most crucial role on the field, and in 2017, Jacksonville State had some solid talent under center. Knowing who was slinging the pigskin is super important, so let's check it out.

The main guy leading the offense was Eli Jenkins. Jenkins was a senior, so he brought a ton of experience to the table. He was known for his dual-threat ability – meaning he could make plays with his arm and his legs. Jenkins was a true leader for the Gamecocks, and his presence was definitely felt on the field. He had a great arm, a good sense of the game and was always striving to make the right plays, and lead the team to victory. You can bet he was a fan favorite! He could throw a nice spiral, and he wasn't afraid to run the ball when the play called for it.

Then, there was Zerrick Cooper, a freshman, who was ready to step up and showcase his talent. He brought a lot of potential to the team. You gotta remember that young players can make a huge impact, and Cooper certainly looked to do so with his talent. Cooper would soon make his mark as one of the best Jacksonville State quarterbacks, and he was ready to step up if needed.

Having both Jenkins and Cooper on the roster was a great asset. This gave the team flexibility, allowing them to adjust their game plan based on the situation. The presence of these quarterbacks made the Gamecocks a tough team to prepare for, and it certainly brought excitement to the offense.

Running Backs: Power and Speed

Next up, let's explore the running back crew. These guys are the workhorses of the offense. Running backs are all about power, speed, and the ability to find the end zone. The Jacksonville State running back corps had a mix of talents in 2017. Their ability to run the ball effectively gave the team a major advantage. These guys can make a huge difference in how the game plays out. Let's see who was carrying the load.

The leading rusher was Rakeem Cato. Cato brought a combination of power and agility to the backfield. He could break tackles and make big plays, which made him a key part of the offense. He was an exciting player to watch and always gave 100%. He wasn't afraid to put his head down and get those tough yards, which is crucial for any running back.

Also in the mix was Shaquille Richardson. Richardson brought a different style to the game. With his speed and quickness, he had the ability to get around defenders. He was a great asset for the team and an exciting guy to watch. He added a unique dynamic to the running game, making it unpredictable for the defense.

Having this depth at running back was a major plus for Jacksonville State. The coaches could rotate players, keeping them fresh and wearing down the defense. The running backs had a mix of abilities that made it difficult for opposing teams to know what to expect. This combination made the Gamecocks' offense incredibly effective.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Pass Catchers Extraordinaire

Now, let's highlight the guys who catch those passes: the wide receivers and tight ends. They are responsible for making those amazing catches, getting open, and helping the team move the chains. The Jacksonville State receiving corps in 2017 was a group that had speed, skill, and a knack for making big plays. They were crucial in opening up the offense, and we all love to see a great catch!

Jamari Hester was one of the top guys. Hester had great hands, good speed, and the ability to get open. He was a reliable target for the quarterbacks. He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball. His presence on the field kept defenses on their toes. He could make the tough catches in critical situations.

Josh Pearson was another key receiver. Pearson brought a combination of size and strength to the receiving corps. He was able to use his size to his advantage. He was also a dependable receiver. He was a red zone threat. He gave the quarterbacks a big target to throw to.

Joe Horn Jr. was also on the team, bringing his own set of skills to the group. The tight end position had Trae Barry who brought a receiving threat from the position.

The wide receivers and tight ends were essential components of the Jacksonville State offense. They had an array of skills, which meant the team could create different passing plays. The receivers were always ready to make plays, and their ability to catch the ball consistently helped move the chains and score touchdowns. These guys were a critical part of the team's success.

Offensive Line: Protecting the House

Alright, let's give some love to the unsung heroes of the game: the offensive line. They're the ones up front, battling in the trenches to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for the running backs. It's a tough job that often goes unnoticed, but it's super important for the team's success. Let's see who was paving the way for the Gamecocks in 2017.

Center: Brett Moore. Moore was the anchor of the offensive line, responsible for snapping the ball and making the line calls. He brought leadership and experience to the group. Moore had to be smart, athletic, and strong to anchor this offensive line.

Tackles: Justin Shade and Michael Thomas. They were critical for protecting the quarterback and opening up the running game. Their job was to prevent any defenders from getting to the quarterback. These guys are responsible for providing protection to the passing game and opening running lanes for the running backs. They are essential to the team's success.

Guards: Casey Roddick and Blake Moore. They were essential for providing inside protection and helping to create running lanes. They were responsible for creating space for the running backs to run and protecting the quarterback. Their job was to create running lanes and protect the quarterback.

The offensive line's performance is fundamental to the success of any football team. These guys worked hard to create opportunities for the offense to score and move the ball down the field. They gave the quarterbacks time to throw and the running backs space to run. Their work on the field made a big difference in the outcomes of the games.

Defensive Line: Stopping the Run and Rushing the Passer

Now, let's shift gears and look at the defense, starting with the defensive line. These are the guys on the front lines, whose goal is to stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback. They have to be strong, quick, and tough to make plays. Let's see who was bringing the heat for the Gamecocks in 2017.

Defensive End: Randy Robinson. Robinson was a key player. He had the strength and quickness needed to disrupt the opposing offense. His job was to stop the run and get after the quarterback. He brought energy and intensity to the defensive line.

Defensive Tackle: Darius Jackson. Jackson was a force in the middle of the line, taking on blockers and stopping the run. He anchored the defensive line with his strength and tackling skills. Jackson was a crucial piece of the defense.

Defensive End: La'Ron Thompson. Thompson brought another level of pressure to the opposing team. Thompson was an excellent player who helped get to the quarterback and provide pressure on opposing offenses.

The defensive line was responsible for setting the tone of the game. They stopped the run and pressured the quarterback. They made it tough for opposing offenses to get anything going. Their intensity and performance were critical to the team's overall success.

Linebackers: The Tackling Machines

Next, let's highlight the linebackers. They are the versatile players who need to stop the run, cover receivers, and blitz the quarterback. They are the