Jacksonville State Football: How will the Gamecocks fare in CUSA?

By Dante Pryor | Jul 2, 2023

Jacksonville State Gamecocks quarterback Zion Webb (10) runs the ball as Jacksonville State Gamecocks take on Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks during the FCS Kickoff at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Jacksonville State Gamecocks lead Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 21-17. /

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Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports /

The Jacksonville State football offense should be fun to watch.

For anyone who does not remember what a Rich Rodriguez offense looks like, do yourself a favor and watch some West Virginia with Pat White and Steve Slaton or Arizona with Khalil Tate and JJ Taylor. The Gamecocks are going to run the football a lot this fall. JSU led the ASUN in rushing and finished fifth in FCS.

Last season’s leading rusher, Anwar Lewis, returns to a backfield that also features Louisiana-Monroe transfer Malik Jackson who rushed for 958 yards over the past two years. In this offense, the quarterback runs the football too.

Quarterback Zion Webb ran for 647 yards last season, but he is not likely to return. There is some uncertainty at quarterback. Te’Sean Smoot is the leading candidate for the job and has the tools to be a great quarterback in Rodriguez’s system.

Last season’s leading receivers, Sterling Galban and Sean Brown, return to a group that adds Arizona transfer, Jamarye Joiner. At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Joiner upgrades the room exponentially. The offensive line is solid. They have enough size and depth to withstand the rigors of FBS football.

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